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Lower Extremity Stress Fractures & Fitness

Posted on June 20, 2015 0

Woman in pain from wearing high heels

The constant stress experienced by the feet from activities such as walking and running can have an impact on its structural integrity. Injuries can be many, and one such well recognized injury is a stress fracture. Typically, stress fractures are a result of constant and repetitive stress that is just below the threshold of overloading. The therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX know that the fractures are a consequence of high ground reaction forces exerted when placing the foot on the ground.

When managing stress fractures, different treatment options are available at Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX. While it might seem like a contradiction to exercise with a fracture, the basic principle that is involved is one of modification of activity. For example, athletes who are used to hard training regimes must gradually increase the intensity of the workout every week, rather than increase in large bursts.

The Role of Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX Typically, physical therapists of Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX offer a program of muscle strengthening and conditioning in the treatment of stress fractures of the lower extremities. For example, runners can take a break from running and maintain the same level of fitness by performing cross training and cycling. Just a simple alteration in footwear used during exercise can be sufficient in most cases.

When taking into consideration the risk factors for the development of stress fractures, numerous parameters must be taken into account. In women, an alteration in menstrual cycles, reduced bone density and change in the calf girth can all be predictors of stress fractures. On an average, stress fractures can take up to 12 weeks to heal, and this period is often marked by limited activity (4).

Prior to receiving physical therapy from Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX, most patients will attempt to use simple analgesia to relieve pain. While this may work in some patients, there is some evidence to suggest that analgesic use can delay healing.

Ankle Foot Pain

The use of physical aids can also help patients with stress fractures. Simple aids such as crutches and pneumatic braces can be provided by Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX to reduce pain and thus healing time, possibly allowing for resumption of movement a lot sooner than expected.

Finally, Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX will advise patients that no treatment is complete without prevention of future injury and the same holds true for stress fractures as well.

Orthotic shoe inserts and simple changes in training schedules are often more than sufficient. A prescription of calcium and vitamin D supplements may add to the overall benefit of physical therapy. However, whether or not bisphosphonates will help is still doubtful.

In conclusion, physical therapists of Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Houston, TX play an important role in the management of patients with stress fractures. Treatment options are variable, and often involve prescription of medicines along with different therapies.

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