Stress fracture
www.londondanceclinic.co.uk
What is it? Stress fracture is a chronic injury, not an acute event and is caused when a specific part of a bone experiences more repetitive load than it can tolerate.
Common sites Stress fracture is a chronic injury, not an acute event and is caused when a specific part of a bone experiences more repetitive load than it can tolerate.
Although stress fractures can occur in any bone which takes repeated stresses, there are 3 common places where dancers experience a stress fracture:
1. Base of the 2nd metatarsal (foot bone).
2. Along the 5th metatarsal (foot bone along little toe side).
3. Around the femoral neck (hip).
4. Vertebral body
Common causes • Low to normal load activities performed without enough rest
• Muscle fatigue
• Low-energy availability
• Faulty mechanics
• Intrinsic and extrinsic biomechanical factors
• Amenorrhea, low body weight, inadequate nutritional status: The Female Athlete Triad
Symptoms The only way to know if you have a stress fracture is through x-rays of the involved area; sometimes the physician may order a bone scan.
Common symptoms of a stress fracture are:
• Pain during and sustained after activity.
• Pain that does not go away with rest
• Pain at night.
• Able to pin point the exact spot along the bone where the pain is.
• In some cases persistent, focal swelling at the painful site.
Treatment 1) Rest is the best treatment strategy for a stress fracture.
2) Supportive footwear - eg sneakers
3) Your physician may require that you immobilize the injured area to allow proper healing through rest
4) If you have a longer second toe, padding the adjacent toes may help distribute forces evenly when en pointe.
5) Modify your dance-training schedule to reduce repetitive loads.
6) Seek consultation with your health care provider if you suspect The Female Athlete Triad
7) A kinetic chain/ biomechanical examination is also advised.e of your leg.
Â
www.londondanceclinic.co.uk info@ www.londondanceclinic.co.uk
London Dance Clinic 30 Cumberland Mansions
Seymour Place - London W1H5TF