Fatigue fracture: a bone injury caused by repeated stress
What is a stress fracture?
A fatigue fracture, also known as a stress fracture, is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated stress on that bone. Unlike traumatic fractures, which result from a sudden impact, fatigue fractures develop gradually as a result of repeated mechanical overload.
What causes them?
The most common causes of fatigue fractures are :
- A sudden and significant increase in physical activity: for example, starting to run long distances without adequate preparation.
- A change in the surface on which physical activity takes place: moving from soft to hard ground, such as running on concrete.
- Muscular imbalances: weak muscles or muscular imbalances can alter the distribution of forces on the bones and encourage the development of stress fractures.
- Nutritional factors: a lack of calcium or vitamin D can weaken bones and make them more vulnerable to fractures.
- Hormonal factors: certain hormones, such as oestrogen, play an important role in bone health. A reduction in these hormones, as can occur in post-menopausal women, can increase the risk of fatigue fractures.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a stress fracture may vary depending on the bone affected, but the most common are:
- Pain: progressive, localised pain in the affected area, which worsens with physical activity and is relieved with rest.
- Swelling: slight inflammation may appear around the fracture area.
- Sensitivity to touch: the affected area is painful to the touch.
How is a stress fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosing a stress fracture can be difficult because the symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor may carry out :
- A clinical examination: to locate the pain and assess the mobility of the joint.
- Complementary examinations:
o X-rays: may not show the fracture in the early stages.
o CT scan or MRI: more sensitive for detecting small cracks.
o Bone scintigraphy: shows areas of bone stress.
. What are the treatments?
Treatment for a stress fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the bone involved. It generally involves
- Rest: stopping the physical activity that is causing the pain.
- Immobilisation: in some cases, a splint or cast may be necessary.
- Medication: anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: specific exercises may be prescribed to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
How can fatigue fractures be prevented?
To prevent fatigue fractures, it is important to :
- Gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical exercise.
- Choose shoes that are suitable for the activity you are doing.
- Vary the types of exercise you do to avoid overloading the same area.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Consult a health professional if you experience persistent pain during physical activity.
In conclusion, fatigue fractures are a common injury among sportsmen and women and physically active people.
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