stress fracture
Mechanism of the injury:
A stress fracture is a series of tiny factures in the tibia, fibula and metatarsals caused by overuse and the repetitive application of force. Runner's will usually suffer from a stress fracture when their training intensifies faster than their body's ability to strengthen or remodel the bone. It is extremely important for runner's to follow the 10% rule, which says that you should never increase your milage by more than 10% per week.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis:
Treatment:
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation is usually recommended to strengthen and stretch the anterior and posterior parts of the lower leg. This will help prevent stress fractures in the future. The anterior tibialis is usually the focal point of strengthening exercises because it is usually weakened during a stress fracture. The best way to strengthen this muscle is to sit in a chair and pull your toes towards the ceiling 10 times every day.
A stress fracture is a series of tiny factures in the tibia, fibula and metatarsals caused by overuse and the repetitive application of force. Runner's will usually suffer from a stress fracture when their training intensifies faster than their body's ability to strengthen or remodel the bone. It is extremely important for runner's to follow the 10% rule, which says that you should never increase your milage by more than 10% per week.
Symptoms:
- swelling
- pain
- tenderness at a specific point on the shinbone
- increased swelling and pain with increased activity
Diagnosis:
- x-ray (may not prove positive for 2-10 weeks)
- bone scan
- MRI
Treatment:
- anti-inflammatory medication
- P.R.I.C.E (protect, rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- crutches
- air splint/cast
- stop running (4-6 weeks of rest)
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation is usually recommended to strengthen and stretch the anterior and posterior parts of the lower leg. This will help prevent stress fractures in the future. The anterior tibialis is usually the focal point of strengthening exercises because it is usually weakened during a stress fracture. The best way to strengthen this muscle is to sit in a chair and pull your toes towards the ceiling 10 times every day.