stressmurtumat

Stressmurtumat, or stress fractures, are small cracks in bones caused by repetitive mechanical loading that outpaces the bone's ability to remodel. They commonly occur in athletes and military recruits who suddenly increase training intensity or volume. The most frequently affected sites are weight-bearing bones such as the tibia and metatarsals, but any bone can be involved.

Causes and risk factors include sudden increases in activity, repetitive impact, improper footwear, and surfaces; in addition, poor bone health (calcium or vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis), low energy availability or menstrual disturbances in female athletes, and a personal history of previous stress injuries increase risk.

Symptoms typically begin as focal bone pain that is aggravated by weight-bearing activity and relieved by rest. The pain may be tender to touch and may awaken at night in some cases. Early X-ray findings are often normal; MRI is the most sensitive test, with bone scintigraphy and CT as alternatives to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment focuses on stopping the aggravating activity to allow healing. This often involves protected weight bearing, immobilization or use of a walking boot, and gradual rehabilitation. Return to full activity should be gradual and guided by symptom resolution and imaging confirmation. Healing times vary by site: tibial and metatarsal fractures commonly require several weeks to a few months; femoral and other bones may take longer.

Prevention emphasizes gradual progression of training, cross-training to reduce repetitive load, proper footwear and surfaces, addressing nutritional and hormonal factors, and ensuring adequate rest and recovery. Recurrent stressmurtumat are common if underlying loads are not adjusted.