What is a fatigue fracture?
When a bone is subjected to significant stress (over-stress, repeated and intense movements, effort required greater than the body's capacities, etc.), bone (micro) cracks may appear: this is called "fatigue fracture" .
Warning ! " The "real" fracture should not be confused with the fatigue fracture: the latter is not linked to a shock or a fall, it results from excessive use of the bone "stresses Julia Lemais, physiotherapist. The fatigue fracture is rarely complete: the bone is" only "cracked to a greater or lesser extent.
Fatigue fracture: who is affected? The fatigue fracture is rather a pathology of the sportsman. " This concerns both top athletes who "force" a little too much than novices who want to be zealous when they start a new activity, explains the physiotherapist. The result is the same: the bone is used beyond its capacity and it cracks. "Athletics and basketball are especially" at risk "sports.
Fatigue fracture: where does it manifest? The fatigue fracture mainly affects the bones of the thigh, pelvis, calf and foot. " It can concern the tibia, the femur, the fibula, the knee, the pelvis … It is however more frequently observed in the bones of the foot and, in particular, the heel or metatarsals "stresses Julia Lemais.
To know. Women and young girls who engage in intense physical activity with poor preparation (for example: without an adapted diet) can develop the "triad of the female athlete": this is characterized by osteoporosis, fractures fatigue and amenorrhea (understand: stopping menstruation).
And also. When a fatigue fracture occurs in the bones of the foot, we speak of a "gait fracture": historically, this mainly concerned new military recruits who walked long distances carrying heavy loads … without having any the habit.
Fatigue fracture: how to recognize it?
As we said: the fatigue fracture concerns athletes more – top level but not only. Warning: its symptoms are not necessarily easy to identify because, as Julia Lemait explains, " the fracture of fatigue is often insidious, unlike a "real" fracture ":
- A rather dull ache in everyday life: we can live with it, it does not necessarily prevent the activities of the day,
- Pain that becomes sharp and very localized during physical activity,
- Pain that appears more in the lower limbs: foot, calf, thigh, pelvis …
- A painful area that may be red and swollen.
Fatigue fracture: how is it diagnosed? The diagnosis of fatigue fracture can be made by the general practitioner, but also by the sports doctor.
To the clinical examination (which looks for a painful area on exertion, with pain that subsides at rest) are often added additional examinations: an x-ray and / or a bone scan intended to visualize the (micro) fissure of the bone.
Fatigue fracture: how to prevent and treat it?
How to prevent a fatigue fracture? " If you want to start a new sport, be careful to choose a sport that fits your abilities and your state of health – do not get into it crossfit if you have never done sports, for example! "stresses Julia Lemais.
Begin your sports practice gradually: " a lot of people get into the running brutally, with 1 hour sessions from the start. It is too much and it is traumatic for the bones: it can lead to a fracture of fatigue. "Do not hesitate to seek professional advice:" practicing in a club or with a coach is the best way to discover a new sport in a secure manner. "
Are you already sporty or athletic? Do not skip the warm-ups, which are used to prepare the body for exercise and to avoid accidents – such as a stress fracture. Remember to hydrate yourself well during your sports session and … don't force yourself!
Fatigue fracture: how to cure it? The number one remedy for fatigue fracture is … rest. Doctors thus recommend that the cracked bone does not support weight for 6 to 12 weeks. At the same time, alternative medicines can help:
- Homeopathy. Take 3 granules morning and evening of Arnica 5 CH. Add Silicea 5 CH (3 granules morning and evening) in the event of osteoporosis, or Ruta Graveolens 5 CH (3 granules morning and evening) if the area is very painful and / or if the tendons are affected.
- Gemmotherapy. Take 5 to 15 drops per day of macerate of Bramble buds (Rubus fruticosus L.) diluted in a glass of water, 15 minutes before a meal for 3 weeks.
Thanks to Julia Lemété, physiotherapist and author of Express self-massages (ed. Leduc.S).
Sources:
The great book of homeopathy, Dr. Dominique-Jean Sayous, ed. Eyrolles.
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Read also :
⋙ Stretching: 5 exos to avoid aches
⋙ Heel pain: what is talalgia and how to treat it?
⋙ Foot pain: symptoms that should alert