Stress Fracture of the Heel Bone

Stress fractures really are a fairly frequent problem in athletes, mainly when there is a lot of repeating motions such as running. In athletes almost any bone could possibly get a stress fracture. A stress fracture are small cracks that happen in the bone because of too much repeated forces. Bone tissue is an extremely dynamic tissue and will conform to force on the bone if it is provided time. In the event that greater stress from exercises including running are increased really slowly but surely, then your bone should adjust to these increased loads and become much stronger. However, when those loads are generally accelerated too soon and the bone is not given a chance to get used too, then a stress fracture may occur. This is more prone to also take place should there be difficulties with the health of the bone including osteoporosis, insufficient vitamin d and reduced calcium levels. Women are more prone to developing a stress fracture. Stress fractures usually heal without any problems if given sufficient time to recover. However, stress fractures can be divided into those that are thought to be high-risk and low risk. A high-risk stress fracture is a stress fracture that may get problems just like an avascular necrosis. These kinds of stress fractures need additional care.

A common lower risk stress fracture is a calcaneal stress fracture which is in the heel bone. Any time running the calcaneus bone is the thing that we strike the ground with and also the Achilles tendon also pulls on the heel bone, so lots of strain may get put through the calcaneus bone. In the event the volume of running is increased progressively and slowly, then a calcaneal stress fracture is more unlikely. When a stress fracture can happen in the calcaneus, there may be slowly and gradually increasing pain in the heel bone. Most occur in the back of the heel bone, however some do occur in the centre and a few towards the anterior part of the bone. A characteristic feature is the discomfort is positive on the calcaneal squeeze test. For this test, you squeeze the calcaneus bone from the sides which elicits pain, frequently being rather tender.

Having a calcaneal stress fracture, rest within the first week or so is really crucial. The athlete is required to stop running and substitute another exercise to keep up fitness for at least a week or so in order for recovery to get started. Dietary problems as well as bone health problems are going to need to be assessed and tackled as needed. With the toughest cases, a moon boot or walking brace may be needed to assist. After the discomfort settles, it is then time for you to very slowly and gradually add to the physical activity levels. If this isn’t completed cautiously, it is common for the stress fracture to happen once again or flare up. The symptoms is usually attentively monitored by using that calcaneal squeeze test. If you have a stress fracture in the heel bone, plan on this return to full activity taking a few or maybe more months in addition to that original rest time period of a few weeks or so. If you undertake it a lot quicker, then the fracture might happen for a second time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *