Is Stress Fracture Only Related to Sports

A fine bone fracture commonly known as a hairline fracture is a bone injury and is in fact a stress fracture. It derives its name from its characteristic of causing fracture in bones due to immense stress of body weight on bones, especially of the lower leg (tibia) and of our feet (metatarsals). Continuously bearing the burden of our weight, these bones tend to get affected by stress fracture. Sportsmen or people related to sports are good examples as they often develop stress fracture due to the injuries involved in their profession.


What Causes Stress Fracture?

Our bones are made in such a way that they can tolerate certain amount of our weight. But when these weight bearing bones are exposed to extra and unusual amount of stress, beyond their capability and tolerance, there is a high risk of being affected by stress fracture. This unique type of bone injury mainly affects people who are into sports or those who all of a sudden decide to enter a sports activity.

In fact our bones possess the ability to heal themselves and modify according to our body requirements. Prolonged stress can damage the bones capability of self-fixing, and making it susceptible to further stress. A physical trauma can also lead to stress fracture. The trauma can leave behind a weak spot in the body that can lead to stress fracture and giving broad chances for more injuries.

It has been reported that excess weight or its influence can be the cause of an injury. The injury then sticks to the point where the bones are weak. People who perform high impact exercises, like runners, have been found to be more vulnerable to such stress fractures. It is not only the sportsmen or athletes who are prone to such kind of injury but many people of other professions also fall victim to stress fracture.

Stress Fracture Remedies

In due course of time the injured bones tend to repair and heal the wound themselves. If it is not the weight bearing bones that have been affected, you will be recommended not to use the bone completely, for a period of time, to avoid additional stress due to weight.

A speedy recovery can not be expected of a bone affected by stress fracture, if it still continues to bear some weight and is in constant use. The healing time can be from two to four weeks where the bone is kept on complete rest. By the end of sixth week you can gradually start using the bones for mild activities that do not give out any stress or strain.

Severe or mild, a stress fracture should be given appropriate treatment to ensure that the bones are repaired at the right time. Also take time to identify the source of the injury, it could be even your sports or exercise program.