As we approach the London Marathon, my clinics are increasingly filled with people pushing their bodies to the extreme, sometimes at the expense of their bone health.
Stress fractures are common injuries not only among experienced athletes but also novice runners or those new to high-impact sports. A stress fracture occurs when repetitive stress or abnormal loading is placed on a bone, exceeding its ability to adapt. This often occurs in long-distance runners or those participating in high-intensity activities such as CrossFit or when starting a completely new form of exercise.
Common locations for stress fractures or stress responses (the precursor to a fracture) include the tibia (shin bone), foot, and ankle bones. Fortunately, these fractures rarely require surgery. However, stress fractures in areas such as the proximal femur are more serious and sometimes surgical intervention is necessary.
Another important factor is overall bone health. Patients with compromised bone health are at higher risk of developing stress fractures. As part of comprehensive patient care at Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, I routinely arrange consultations with a rheumatologist to assess and enhance bone health, significantly reducing the risk of recurring fractures.
Preventing stress fractures involves maintaining strong bones through a balanced and varied diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regularly engaging in moderate impact exercise to stimulate bone density, and abstaining from smoking, which can negatively impact bone health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms consistent with a stress fracture, such as persistent pain with activity, tenderness, or swelling, early assessment is crucial. At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, we specialise in diagnosing and managing stress fractures effectively, helping you return to your active lifestyle safely and swiftly.
If you’re conerned about an injury or stress fracture, please contact us to book your appointment:
Email: info@gop.health
Tel: 0203 926 5615
References:
Stress fractures. MW Anderson, A Greenspan – Radiology, 1996 – pubs.rsna.org
Stress fractures: general concepts TP Knapp, WE Garrett Jr – Clinics in sports medicine, 1997 – Elsevier
