Väsymysmurtumat

Väsymysmurtumat, also known as stress fractures, are tiny cracks in a bone that develop over time due to repetitive force or overuse. They are common in athletes and military recruits who engage in high-impact activities, but can also occur in individuals with osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions. The most common locations for stress fractures include the weight-bearing bones of the legs and feet, such as the tibia, fibula, metatarsals, and navicular bone.

The primary symptom of a stress fracture is pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The pain is often described as a dull ache that can progress to sharp pain during weight-bearing. Swelling and tenderness at the site of the fracture may also be present. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies such as X-rays, bone scans, or MRI. While X-rays may not show a stress fracture in its early stages, they can help rule out other causes of pain.

Treatment for stress fractures focuses on rest and reducing the stress on the affected bone. This often involves avoiding the activity that caused the fracture and may require crutches or a boot to immobilize the area. Pain management can include over-the-counter pain relievers. In most cases, stress fractures heal within six to eight weeks with proper management. Preventing stress fractures involves gradual increases in training intensity and duration, proper footwear, and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain bone health.