How Stress Fractures Develop
1. Casual event
2. Pain after exercise only and relieved by short rest
3. Pain tolerable during exercise but more marked after exertion and relieved by longer rest
4. Pain intolerable during and after exercise and partially relieved by long rest
5. Constant pain not relieved by rest
Signs of Stress Fractures
1. Point tenderness of bone (except well-shielded femur)
2. Soft-tissue swelling
3. Palpation of callus (with time)
4. Alteration of gait
5. Muscular atrophy, especially anterior tibial and gastrocnemius-soleus groups
6. Full and painless range of motion of adjacent joints
7. Painless resisted active movement of joint
Treatment of Stress Fractures
1. Rest from running
2. Relieve symptomatic inflammation with ice and anti-inflammatory agent
3. Maintain strength (especially foot dorsum and plantar flexors)
4. Maintain cardiovascular fitness with swimming and/or biking
5. Orthotics tailored to need
6. When asymptomatic, gradually reintroduce running
Source: The Physician and Sportsmedicine
Wow, I hope this never happens to me, sounds very painful! thanks Dr. Bob
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteThis is good general information on dealing with sress fractures. Don't over do it in your workouts, and that will reduce your risk of injury.
Thanks,
Dr. Bob Moulas
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteHow are your workouts going? Did you get back walking?????????????
Take care,
Dr. Bob Moulas