Fatigue fractures

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What is it about ?

A stress fracture is a fracture caused by overexertion of the bones. The areas of the body most often affected are the lower legs and feet.

People at increased risk for stress fractures include military personnel, athletes, dancers, people who have recently started intensive training, and those who walk or sprint briskly when they are not. not used to.

Women are at greater risk than men, especially with menstrual problems, bone decalcification or eating disorders.

How to recognize it?

Initially, the pain only occurs with exertion, but later it also manifests itself at rest. The pain is often local. With superficial bones, the fracture area may be more tender to the touch.

How is the diagnosis made?

By questioning and examining you, the doctor will suspect a stress fracture. He will order an x-ray to see the fracture. As at first, a stress fracture is usually not visible on an x-ray, it will also sometimes require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What can you do ?

Avoid straining that causes pain.

What can your doctor do?

The doctor will recommend that you temporarily avoid all painful efforts. Usually, this measure is sufficient. In case of severe pain or risk of fracture displacement, crutches may be used.

Cortisone injections and physiotherapy are not indicated. Casts are rarely useful for stress fractures.

The duration of recovery depends on the stage at which treatment was initiated. If the stress fracture is diagnosed at an early stage, healing takes between 2 and 4 weeks, provided you avoid straining. Advanced stress fractures usually take longer to heal.

If you no longer feel any pain from the load, exertion and pressure at the site of the stress fracture, it is possible to resume physical exertion.

Want to know more?

Source

Foreign clinical practice guide ‘Fatigue fracture’ (2000), updated on 09.05.2017 and adapted to the Belgian context on 08.10.2017 – ebpracticenet

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