subject: Stress Fracture Foot Recovery [print this page] Stress fractures are common foot injuries which are frequently the result of overuse. When muscles become fatigued, they fail to work efficiently causing the bones to have to cope with increased forces, placing them under an unnatural strain. Over time stress fractures can develop, although a sudden occurrence is possible. Many people are prone to stress fractures, especially when there is bone deficiency. Poor nutrition can lead to calcium or vitamin D deficiency, both of which are vital for the formation of strong healthy bones.
Teenage girls with an active lifestyle can be more prone to develop stress fractures. Calcium is present in the highest quantities in dairy products, which many young women avoid due to the fat content. Avoidance of calcium rich foods, even with an otherwise normal and well balanced diet can lead to calcium deficiency. With the rise in bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders stress fracture foot complaints are on the rise. They are often the result of the female athlete triad, three common causal factors which go hand in hand. Eating disorders lead to poor nutrition, irregular periods and osteoporosis. Weakened bones make even relatively low impact exercises capable of causing stress fracture foot injuries.
If you have been diagnosed with a stress fracture foot, the recovery time can be lengthy. You can expect at least 6 weeks away from exercise, often more depending on the nature of the fracture. In many cases, stress fracture foot problems are not deemed severe enough to warrant a plaster cast, instead a period of time off the feet and on crutches is usually sufficient. Leg braces and foot splints can be of use, with night splints a good choice if you are prone to move a lot in your sleep.
After a sufficient recovery period, exercise can be introduced slowly to allow the muscles and the feet time to adapt to a new routine. Small increments in exercise duration allow the body time to recover. Incorporating more calcium and vitamin D into the diet, either through calcium rich foods or dietary supplements is important to ensure that stress fracture foot injuries do not recur or new fractures develop.
As is the case with many common foot complaints the best form of treatment is prevention. Stress fracture foot prevention requires only small changes to lifestyle, such as alternating exercise routines, replacing footwear regularly, and ensuring a good well balanced diet. Since a stress fracture foot will keep you away from your favourite activities for a lengthy spell, preventing painful fractures from occurring is well worth the time and a little effort.
