WHAT IS A HAIRLINE FRACTURE?
- A hairline fracture, also called a stress fracture, can be a small crack or a serious injury to the bone.
- It is quite common for athletes who suffer from this type of injury.
- Patients with osteoarthritis are also more likely to develop hairline fractures.
- Microscopic damage can occur to the bone over time, often with the same action or overuse which can lead to hairline fractures.
- The risk of injury increases due to a lack of body rest to recover between any two tasks.
- The bones of the hands and feet are more prone to hairline fractures.
- This is because the bones of the hands and feet take a lot of stress during running and jumping.
- The second and third bones of the toes in the feet are most affected by fracture.
- These are thin delicate bones and they are most affected during athletic activities.
- Apart from this, there is a risk of a hairline fracture in the heel, ankle, navicular (top bone in the middle of the foot).
CAUSES OF A HAIRLINE FRACTURE
- Most of the hairline fracture cases are due to overuse or repetition of the same type of activity.
- For example, if you suddenly start running for a distance multiple times in a week, then it can cause injury.
- Apart from this, changing the type of exercise can also increase the risk of a hairline fracture.
- For example, being a good swimmer and engaging yourself in activities like running together can also lead to injuries.
- Due to many activities, our bones learn to withstand that stress, which increases pressure on bones.
HIGH RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING A HAIRLINE FRACTURE
- Sports- Some sports like basketball, tennis, dance, long-distance running, gymnastics, etc. increase the risk of a hairline fracture.
- Lack of nutrients – Due to lack of vitamin D, bones become weak. Apart from this, people with eating disorders are at risk of fracture.
- Foot problem – Bad shoes, flat feet, high arch, the rigid arch also causes a hairline fracture.
- Weak bones – Conditions such as osteoarthritis or medications that affect the density and strength of bones. Due to this, hairline fractures can occur while performing normal and daily activities.
- Sex – Especially, women over the age of 50 have a high risk. Apart from this, excessive dieting can lead to eating disorders, menstrual dysfunction, and premature osteoporosis.
- Having a first hairline fracture – Having one episode of hairline fracture increases the risk of the other.
SYMPTOMS OF A HAIRLINE FRACTURE
- The most common symptom of hairline fracture is pain.
- This pain becomes more severe over time if the weight-bearing activity is not stopped.
- The pain subsides on rest and at the same time increases during any work.
- Other symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and cramping.
HOW IS A HAIRLINE FRACTURE DIAGNOSED?
If there is an occurence of a hairline fracture, then the treatment should be taken as soon as possible after consulting a doctor. The following points are taken into consideration while diagnosing hairline fracture-
- Medical history, general health, diet, medicines, and other factors may be asked by your doctor.
- Physical examination – In this, the examination is done by applying pressure on the painful area with ease.
- MRI – MRI is the best way to detect hairline fractures.
- X-rays – After the injury, the hairline fracture is not immediately visible in the X-ray. It appears at least two weeks after the injury.
- Bone scan – For this, small doses of radioactive material are given in the vein to detect the affected area to be repaired.
CAN HAIRLINE FRACTURES LEAD TO OTHER CONDITIONS IF LEFT UNTREATED?
- Ignoring its pain can completely break the bone.
- After which the bone needs more time and treatment to recover
- It should be treated at the earliest
HOW ARE HAIRLINE FRACTURES TREATED?
- It is very important to take a rest and apply ice.
- Apart from this, the doctor may prescribe you NSAIDs, which provide relief in pain and swelling.
- Physiotherapy treatment can also be given after the fracture.
- Treatment is given by the doctor depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Do not put too much weight or stress on the injured leg.
- For this, you can wear comfortable shoes which can prevent further fractures.
- It takes 6 to 8 weeks for complete recovery.
- During this time, no stressful activity should be done.
- Some hairline fractures require surgery.
- Any type of high-impact activity should be avoided while healing the wounds.
- To see whether the injury has healed or not, an X-ray. can be done by the doctor to confirm prognosis.
- After recovering, slowly come back to the exercise routine.
Now, you know all about the prevention of hairline fractures. We are here to provide you with the perfect treatment for all hairline fractures and bone- joint problems, which is- Zenith Injury and Wellness Relief Clinic. Contact our experts who have expertise in treating hairline fracture.
Call 972-210-0033 to schedule your appointment.