What is a fracture of tension?

Many of us are familiar with bone fractures caused by trauma, such as a simple or folded fracture of the foot. However, there is another form of bone damage, which rarely occurs on X -ray, but can still be extremely painful and debilitating. Because it is mainly due to excessive and cumulative stress on bones, this form of injury is commonly called fracture of tension. Athletes, dancers and soldiers are particularly prone because their descriptions include excessive position, marching and running. Some sources even refer to a fracture of tension as a fatigue or a marching fracture.

Although each bone can potentially receive tension, most cases requiring treatment occur in the lower legs and legs. Whenever one runs, dances or performs any other stressful movement, the shock must be absorbed by the body. Ideally, the foot muscles should absorb most of the impact before being transferred to the tibia (lower leg) or metatarshagelinge bones (legs). As Muscle, however, is getting tired, more and more shocks are absorbed directly by the bone. Over time, this constant pressure and shock can cause the crack in the bone itself, even if it does not cause a complete break. This crack is considered to be a fracture of tension.

Since tension fracture rarely appears on standard X -ray, other scan methods such as CT scan or MRI are usually recommended. For many suffering, the only sign of fracture is extreme pain in the affected area. Some minor fractures of tension eventually recover when the bone tries to repair, so several weeks of rest and some over -the -counter analgesics for pain should be enough. Other forms of tension fractures are more serious and may require plaster or air castings to support and protection. The patient is often asked to stay outside the affected limb for several months.

tension fracture can beprevent a modification of the training program or a change in the technique or mechanics of the body. Runners should change their shoes regularly to maintain the right shock absorption. Dietary supplements such as calcium and vitamin D should be used to increase bone density and strength. Some athletes and dancers find that a gradual increase in exercise can reduce the chances of developing stress fracture. As the bones adapt to the controlled increase in shock, they become stronger and less likely to burst under unusual pressure.