Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
There is nothing worse than an injury keeping you from participating in an athletic activity you love. One of the most common sports injuries is a stress fracture, which is a small crack in the bone that is typically caused by overuse. Stress fractures occur in the weight bearing bones of the body, such as the hips, shins and feet, with more than 50 percent of injuries occurring in the lower leg bones. Muscles can become fatigued and unable to absorb the added shock to the body and eventually the overload of physical stress gets transferred to the bone, which causes it to crack.
Stress fractures are common injuries in people of all ages, and symptoms of stress fractures include pain associated with activity, swelling and bruising. In all cases, the most important treatment for stress fractures is rest. Shoe inserts and braces may also be used to promote healing. It is essential to allow your body proper time to heal before resuming the activity that caused the stress fracture. If you become active too quickly, you may put yourself at risk of developing a larger, harder-to-heal stress fracture or chronic injury.
Overuse injuries like stress fractures can be avoided. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has provided a few precautionary tips to help circumvent the occurrence of stress fractures:
• When participating in any new sports activity, set incremental goals. For example, do not immediately set out to run five miles a day; instead, gradually build up your mileage on a weekly basis.
• Cross-training — alternating activities that accomplish the same fitness goals — can help to prevent injuries like stress fractures. Instead of running every day to meet cardiovascular goals, run on even days and bike on odd days. Add some strength training and flexibility exercises to the mix for the most benefit.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you incorporate calcium- and Vitamin D-rich foods in your meals.
• Use the proper equipment.
• Do not wear old or worn running shoes.
• If pain or swelling occurs, immediately stop the activity and rest for a few days. If continued pain persists, see an orthopedic surgeon.
• It is important to remember that if you recognize the symptoms early and treat them appropriately, you can return to sports at your normal playing level.
If you are unsure if you have a stress fracture, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and care options. Most injuries are diagnosed by X-ray, however a computed topography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sometimes necessary for proper evaluation.
If you have concerns about your bone health or other orthopedic concerns, schedule an appointment to speak to a medical professional.Dr. Edward R. Dupay, Jr. and his staff are ready to answer your questions.
Edward R. Dupay, Jr, DO
Board Certified
Dr. Dupay graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received his Doctor of Osteopathy at the Uni-
versity of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri.
Dr. Dupay completed his Internship and Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Dupay has been in the Fort Myers / Cape Coral area since 1987. Dr. Dupay enjoys seeing the “Weekend Warrior” athlete, as well as all patients suffering from crippling osteoarthritis.
To schedule your appointment, please call Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Florida at 239-768-2272, visit our website at www.ifixbones.com, or ask your physician for a referral.
