Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
October 12, 2018
Contrary to an actual bone break when a single event occurs, a stress fracture can happen over time through repetitive actions. Most of the people who experience a stress fracture are athletes or military trainees, but anyone can develop one. The common areas where a stress fracture develops include the feet, thighs, shins and even the pelvis. This is due to the overworking of these areas while running or doing other intense lower body exercises. Anyone in Frisco who experiences a stress fracture should visit Dr. Verville immediately. Not only will she help the patient recover quickly, but she will also determine the cause of the injury, which could be any one of the following.
Not Training or Conditioning Properly
The average person in Frisco may not exercise frequently enough to develop proper training and conditioning techniques. Depending on the types of exercises completed, a stress fracture could develop immediately or over time. For example, a person who typically only runs one mile a day, but decides to run five miles a day over the course of a couple of weeks could be at risk of developing a stress fracture. The increased intensity of the training combined with not being in the right condition for the longer distance may be a cause of a stress fracture.
Altering Exercise Routines
The human body gets used to doing things a certain way and takes some time to make adjustments. For people in Frisco who suddenly alter their exercise routine, either by increasing intensity, timing, frequency or even the surface they exercise on, the chances of developing a stress fracture increase. The key to preventing stress fractures and still changing up the exercise routine is to gradually introduce the changes, so the body isn’t put under a significant amount of stress all at once.
Weak Muscles or Bones
Some people have poor bone density or weak muscles that make them more prone to the development of a stress fracture. Muscle weakness can lead to stress fractures because the muscles aren’t able to help absorb the force created when exercising, meaning the bones have to do all the work. Weak bones can be caused by various factors, all of which can be evaluated by Dr. Verville.
Exercising on Hard Surfaces
When people in Frisco exercise on concrete or other hard surfaces routinely, the chances of a stress fracture developing will increase. If it’s unavoidable to exercise on hard surfaces, Dr. Verville recommends investing in cushioned shoes for added support and to help relieve some of the pressure put on the bones and muscles. When possible, try exercising on more forgiving surfaces, so less strain is put on the body.
RNV Podiatry treats patients who have stress fractures every day. There are many different reasons why a stress fracture can develop, and Dr. Verville will do a complete evaluation to determine the severity and recommend treatment options. Dr. Verville knows you want to get back on your feet and back to your routine, and she will make sure you’re able to do so quickly and safely.
If you’ve experienced an injury to your foot or ankle, contact us today at (214) 385-8822 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
