Stress Fracture
Contents
Overview
RED-S
Prevention
Treatment
Overview
A stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone. This is often difficult to see on x-rays, and CT or MRI imaging may be appropriate. Left untreated these hairline cracks can propagate and become fully developed fractures. Stress fractures are generally the result of overuse injuries, and among soldiers have been called March Fractures. Overuse can occur by increasing physical activity too quickly, too much, or by engaging in uneven physical activity, such as with the weekend warrior. Stress injuries are common when starting a seasonal sport when one has not been as active in the off season. Overuse can occur when old worn-out shoes which no longer protect the feet as they did when newer are used for physical activity.
RED-S
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) syndrome is a condition which increases the risk of illness and injury such as stress fractures. RED-S syndrome is characterized by insufficient caloric intake to meet the bodyโs demands for daily activities and athletic training (disordered eating) resulting in low energy availability, hormonal imbalance (such as menstrual dysfunction or amenorrhea for women and low testosterone for men), immune dysfunction, low energy, and low bone density. In addition to injury this syndrome can result in low energy, slower recovery, decreased performance, illness, depression, and irritability. In the past RED-S was called the Female Athlete Triad before it was understood to affect male athletes as well.
Prevention
โข Supportive shoes with regular replacement
โข Custom orthotics
โข Cross training
โข Gradually increase physical activity, by no more than 10% per week
โข Vitamin D and Calcium supplementation
โข Balanced diet
โข Adequate rest and recovery between workouts
Treatment
Is it a sprain, a strain, a bone bruise / contusion, stress fracture, or full-fledged fracture? The severity of the injury determines the extent of treatment necessary. Rest, ice, and immobilization are helpful. Immobilization can range from strict non-weightbearing with crutches and a knee scooter, a tall immobilization boot, surgical shoe, or stiff soled shoe and custom orthotics. Vitamin D and Calcium supplementation can be helpful with bone healing.
Examination is recommended to help determine if protected weight bearing is permitted, or whether non-weightbearing or surgical reduction and fixation are recommended. If you are having pain and discomfort, your symptoms are limiting physical activity, or affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment now for an evaluation and discussion of your feet and treatment options, and to discuss how best to return to sport.
Contents
Overview
RED-S
Prevention
Treatment
Call NOW for an Appointment:
