Hairline fractures, also called as stress fractures, are now slowly becoming an infamous dilemma in the area of sports medicine. Caused by application of repetitive strain and excessive training, hairline fractures are minute cracks on the bones, which can become severe if not immediately treated. Basically, this injury is caused by the depressed response of the bone with the ground-reaction forces that are applied to the bones during activities like jumping, running, or walking. Despite that bones have the ability to bend a little if stress and strain is applied to them, they can also develop small cracks once they are being overused.
The main treatment for hairline fractures is refraining from doing activities that can aggravate the injury for approximately one month and half. Once the bone has been healed of its minute cracks, the person can start resuming his normal activities gradually. In cases when extreme pain is experienced, the affected area must be put at rest and must be immobilized by casting or bracing. Shoe inserts like supportive orthotics and walking crutches can also be recommended but only when the patient’s normal movements are already affected.
Use of analgesics is also prescribed when the pain is unbearable. People who have hairline fractures can better visit physical therapists so that they could be advised with strengthening exercises that are non-weight bearing like swimming. Fortunately, hairline fractures rarely need surgery because they can be easily mended with just two weeks of rest. However, the injury can still worsen if the fractures are not given appropriate medical attention.
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