Stress fractures
Bones are constantly renewing themselves. Every time you run, jump or stretch, your bones experience small fractures that are repaired with rest, strengthening the bone structure in the process. This is your body’s natural response to physical activity.
However, when bone damage occurs faster than your body can repair it, what is known as a stress fracture can occur.
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by overuse or repetitive trauma, eventually compromising the structural integrity of the bones.
They are most common in areas such as the foot and lower leg, affecting bones such as the metatarsal, navicular, tibia and fibula. However, they can occur in any part of the body subjected to muscle overuse. High-impact athletes, such as track and field, basketball, tennis, dance or gymnastics, are particularly prone to this type of injury.
The symptoms of a stress fracture may be mild at first, manifesting as swelling or bruising known as bone stress reactions. However, these reactions can worsen if not treated in time.
Treatment of stress fractures varies depending on their location and severity, ranging from rest from strenuous activities to surgical interventions in more severe cases.
If you practice any physical activity with an injury or discomfort detected, contact Dr. Erika Barajas, a traumatologist and orthopedist in Tijuana.
