This winter I suffered from a stress fracture in my foot. I was right in the middle of an important time for field hockey athletes filled with tryouts and University ID tournaments. This injury crept up on me because wounds, specifically broken and cracked bones, are typically caused by traumatic experiences. With the knowledge that there had not been one single incident that triggered my stress fracture I decided to research what was the cause of my pain.
Firstly, a stress fracture is described as a group of cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force. People who participate in sports involving continuous pressure on specific bones, such as track and field, basketball, gymnastics, and tennis, are at the greatest risk of developing a stress fracture.
I realized that I had a stress fracture because my pain increased during every game or practice I played until it became unbearable. I had both an x-ray and MRI, and the results indicated that a cast was necessary. I was told that I am at an even higher risk of developing another stress fracture, even after my first fracture healed, and in order to avoid a second injury, I took it upon myself to research the best ways to prevent this type of fracture.
- Recognize pain early. It is necessary to understand that if a specific pain is perpetual it should be assessed as early as possible. This can prevent an even greater number of cracks forming and result in a much longer recovery period.
- Wear proper footwear. This may seem simple, but it is important to remember that not all pairs of running shoes were built exactly the same. Choosing quality footwear with proper support is crucial.
- Nutrition is key. To ensure that your bones can withstand your training regimine, you must be consuming adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, iron, and other essential nutrients.
To answer the original question- you do not have to be stressed to suffer from a stress fracture! To my dismay, I was not able to avoid homework and assessments because of this injury. I hope that after reading my post you are more informed about the causes and less likely to develop a stress fracture. Remember, always run with supportive shoes and don’t push yourself too hard!
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