A fatigue fracture, also known as a stress fracture, often affects athletes, children in the growth phase between the ages of eight and sixteen, and people over the age of 40. It occurs when the bone has been subjected to very heavy loads over a long period of time and is usually preceded by pain. The good news is that in most cases no surgery is necessary because the fracture does not shift as in traumatic injuries. However, depending on the location of the fatigue fracture, it may be necessary to immobilize the affected part of the body with a cast or splint for several weeks to allow the bone to heal. In many cases, however, the affected person can continue to move independently as long as sport and stress on the bone is avoided.
Fatigue fracture of the foot
The feet are one of the most stressed parts of the body, therefore a fatigue fracture of the foot occurs more often. Fatigue fracture of the foot can be divided into two different forms. There is the fatigue fracture in the heel, where the heel bone is affected by the fracture, and the fatigue fracture in the metatarsus, which can affect one or more metatarsal bones.
In both cases, the fatigue fracture occurs over a long period of overloading or incorrect loading. This is particularly the case with sports such as jogging or tennis, as well as with unusual gaits, e.g. marching in the military. Initially there are several miniature fractures until the bone finally gives way and breaks.
Other causes of a fatigue fracture in the foot can also be malnutrition, congenital foot malpositions or a pre-existing bone disease such as osteoporosis. The detection of a fatigue fracture is usually not immediately obvious, as the symptoms manifest themselves slowly and are not triggered by trauma as is usual for a normal fracture. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, however, the affected person should initially take it easy on the foot and refrain from sports completely so that the bone can heal.
Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to put a cast or splint on the foot to immobilize it completely. After the fracture has healed, simple exercises can be started in physiotherapy to bring the foot back to full weight-bearing. 1. mobilization and strengthening of the muscles For this exercise, stand on the damaged leg and bend the other one in the air.
Now push yourself up to your toes and keep your balance for 15 seconds. Repeat this three times, pausing briefly between each pass. 2. strengthening of the muscles Stand up straight.
The legs are slightly bent. Now slowly roll your feet forward and backward by slightly rocking back and forth. Perform the exercise for about 30 seconds.
3. strengthen the muscles Lie backwards on a straight surface. The legs are angled. Now push your buttocks and hips towards the ceiling.
They now form a kind of bridge with your body. Now stand on your tiptoes in this position and slowly lower them again before you push yourself up again. 15 repetitions.
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