$Unique_ID{BRK01093}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{What is a "Stress Fracture"?}
$Subject{fracture stress exercise}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a "Stress Fracture"?


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QUESTION:  Our son, the weekend athlete informed us that he has suffered a
"stress fracture" in his foot, but that everything is alright and he is up and
about.  My daughter in law says the x-rays were negative and that even a cast
wasn't needed.  Of course none of this makes sense to us.  Can you please
explain?

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ANSWER:  Your son isn't using a made up condition to extract sympathy, and all
the details you provided do make sense.  There is no cause for alarm, but
stress fractures are a common enough occurrence to warrant a word or two.
Although they may affect any bone of the foot, the metatarsals (the bones that
form the broad part of the foot between the heel and the toes) are the most
common site for these injuries.  Such fractures are also named "march
fractures" as they can frequently be diagnosed in soldiers after prolonged,
forced marches.  Stress fractures develop when activity is suddenly increased,
and overcomes the ability of the bone to respond to these increased forces.
The first sign is pain and tenderness over the site of the fracture, and it is
common for the initial x-rays to be "negative", or fail to show the fracture
line for it is a thin hairline type of break.  In general, repeat x-rays after
2 to 6 weeks will eventually show the fracture.  In some cases, however, other
tests such as bone scanning or computer tomography (CT scan) are necessary to
detect the fracture.  Casting is only required in a few cases as a stress
fracture will heal if the patient will back of from excessive activity and
stress, and provide a relative rest to the foot.  I am sure your son will do
just that, and then return to his weekend activities with just a bit more
caution.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
