Question

Briefly explain the following injury:

Stress Fracture

Discuss in detail about stress fracture.

Answer 1

A stress fracture is an injury that occurs due to overuse of bones. It is common in athletes who have a high level of stress such as repetitive action of running. If the stress of repetitive loads overpowers the ability of the bone to repair itself, small cracks can begin to occur within the bone structure. It occurs due to ill-devised and unscrupulous training programmes that allow repetitive overstressing of bones due to weight training or forceful muscular contraction. They may develop when the individual subjects his or her bones to. repeated stress and force, for example, while running, walking, or jumping and landing.

1. Causes
   1. Too much and too fast training.
   2. Sudden change in training.
   3. Overuse of the body part (lower leg).
   4. Improper equipment.
   5. Increased physical stress.
   6. Poorly cushioned shoes.
   7. Training on excessively hard surfaces such as concrete.
   8. More height and weight cause more force to be absorbed by the legs.
   9. Improper muscle or bone alignment.
   10. Weak muscle and bones.
2. Symptoms
   1. Pain is the most common symptom.
   2. The pain subsides with rest.
   3. Swelling may occur at the site of overuse.
   4. There may be spot tenderness if the area is touched.
   5. Possible bruising.
3. First Aid
   It involves "P.R.I.C.E.R" (Protection, Rest, Ice application, Compression, Elevation, and Referral).
   1. Protect the area from further injury.
   2. Provide rest and stop using the injured part.
   3. Apply ice over the affected area.
   4. Compress the area and apply proper bandaging to avoid movement.
   5. Elevate the injured part.
   6. At last, refer the casualty to a competent doctor.