Stress fractures or fatigue fractures - When the accumulation spends account

Stress fractures are also called fatigue fractures. We speak of fracture when bone structure is impaired by point be broken with a loss of continuity and shape. The process is explained by forces that exceed the physical strength of the bones, and occurs suddenly.

However, if this stress fractures gradually installing process, and the result of minor forces that for accumulation effect eventually fracture the bone structure.

These smaller forces under the maximum limit of immediate fracture, causing equal affect bone bone rupture - interconnected walls. These small fractures or micro-fractures are repaired often with few symptoms for the sportsman. However, if the area becomes a sub-maximal effort levels before will repair the injury does not heal. By contrast, tends to expand, increasing the symptoms of inflammation, pain, increased volume and functional impotence, the inability to run the motion requesting the use of the affected part.

If it does not end the stress to the bone structure is subjected, this cycle ends with a clear, full or partial, but usually the pain, fracture increases with activity and decreases or disappears with rest, forced to stop for a while sports, and allows spontaneous cure.

The tibia, fibula and long bones of the arch of the foot (metatarsal) are common targets of stress fractures calls. Also this type of injury abuse can affect the hip and spine. Spondylolysis is a special type of stress fracture that usually affects the lumbar spine.

The case of the foot

In the foot, fatigue fractures frequently occur in their medium. Originally "broken up" is called due to the high incidence of army recruits who were forced to march using heavy and rigid boots.

Here we see that the abuse of the structure there is a disproportionate burden of exercise that generates forces that undermine the structure, and contributing vices exercise technique, coupled with inadequate sports equipment. In this case the shoes.

Thus, stress fractures of the metatarsal bones are common in runners and mountaineers, and in general all athletes who abuse their feet. The typical story is a pain "in crescendo" and that leads, sooner or later the rest. The only way to treat a stress fracture. Four to six weeks of rest require bone to consolidate and be able to be demanded again.

The athlete must meet its burden of training and competition. And not only that, also the bio-mechanical and kinesics vices, where you may find the cause of all evils.