$Unique_ID{BRK01291}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{What Caused Stress Fracture?}
$Subject{stress fracture}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Caused Stress Fracture?


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QUESTION:  My husband works too hard at a very demanding job.  He has been
running three to four times a week for more than an hour at each session.
When he began to have a pain in his right foot, he did nothing about it until
it became so bad he could barely walk.  Now the doctor tells him he has a
stress fracture, and he must take it easy.  Was it the stress on the job, or
just running too much that brought on this problem?

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ANSWER:  While it may be true that your husband is undergoing much mental or
emotional stress on the job, in this case it was the physical stress on the
bones in his feet that was the cause of this fracture.  This is a common
problem in runners and is the result of the repetitive shocks to the bone that
happen during running, rather than by a sudden forceful blow, that can cause a
fracture during an accident.  While the break may be seen in any bone that
receives this type of "stress" it is found most frequently in the lower third
of the tibia and in the bones of the foot.  It is sometimes a difficult
diagnosis to make if there is no local swelling, for the normal x-ray may not
reveal the presence of the break until three weeks or more after the injury.
While one of the reasons this occurred may be overuse, although his schedule
does not seem to be excessive, there are times when old and worn running shoes
are to blame.  If the cushioning is worn out, or the shoe has lost its shape
and ability to probably support and cushion the foot.  And rest is the answer,
of sufficient duration to give enough time for the bone to heal properly.  If
your husband tries to push it, and begin his exercise routine before all is
ready, the fracture may never heal completely, or heal improperly.  Many
compulsive runners start up when the pain disappears, which can be too soon
for the bone, still in the process of repairing the fracture.  While your
husband is suffering through this enforced repose, he might do well to
consider scheduling other types of relaxation activity to help relieve some of
the stress that his occupation may be thrusting upon him.  That might help
resolve some of his other problems and turn this period into a "lucky break"!
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.
