A stress (hairline) fracture is a tiny crack in your bone caused by repetitive force. Most common in the weight-bearing bones of your lower leg and foot, stress fractures are time and again a consequence of overuse.
Moreover, a hairline fracture can arise from normal use if a bone is weak. And stress fractures frequently occur in the second and third metatarsals in your foot.
Symptoms of a stress fracture typically involve some combination of:
- inflammation
- pain decreases with rest
- hairline area feels tender
- pain increase with activity
- persistent pain even at rest
- pain intensification over time
- pain occurs earlier with each successive workout
At first, you may hardly notice you even have a stress fracture.
Your peril of a stress fracture may be increased if you:
- have flat feet, high arches
- abruptly shift from sedentary to active lifestyle
- females experiencing abnormal menstruation, ammenorhea
- participate in high-impact movement ~ track & field, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, aerobics
So, if you’re just starting out with a new weight bearing fitness regime, refrain from doing too much too soon.
Also, some conditions that put you at a higher risk of a hairline fracture are:
- lupus
- rickets
- acidosis
- anorexia
- kyphosis
- myeloma
- depression
- renal failure
- thalassemia
- liver disease
- osteoporosis
- cystic fibrosis
- malabsorption
- hypogonadism
- hypercalcemia
- hyperthyroidism
- hypophosphatasia
- Gaucher’s disease
- Cushing syndrome
- hyperparathyroidism
- osteogenesis imperfecta
- medications ~ corticosteroids, loop diuretics, methotrexate, heparin
And adolescents are more susceptible to stress fractures as well.
Healing a hairline fracture centers around rest, which will likely take at least a month. Possibly longer.
While you heal, some suggests for treating any fracture pain and swelling caused by stress is via:
- ice pack ~ swell & pain reduction
- pain relievers ~ acetaminophen only, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen can interfere with bone healing
Immobilization with a splint or cast may be necessary to ensure proper healing. When hairline fractures don’t heal fitly, chronic pain can be the aftermath.
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