Stress fractures are small cracks or severe bruises inside a bone, usually caused by repeated stress or overuse. Unlike acute fractures caused by sudden trauma, stress fractures develop gradually. This causes the patient to ignore the pain, increasing the risk of more serious injury, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).
Stress fractures often progress over time, making exercise difficult.
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Stress fractures are common in athletes... However, they can also occur in the gym and in anyone who engages in high levels of physical activity or suddenly increases the intensity of their workouts. Common warning signs of stress fractures include:
The pain comes on gradually.
One of the hallmark signs of a stress fracture is increasing pain in a particular location. The pain often becomes worse when the location is subjected to stress.
Unlike acute fractures that occur as a result of sudden trauma, stress fractures cause pain that increases over time with continued activity. This pain often decreases with rest but returns with continued activity. For example, runners may experience increasing pain in their lower leg or foot while running. However, the pain will improve with rest.
If you have these signs of pain, you should stop exercising immediately.
Sensitive to touch
Tenderness at the site of the injury is a common symptom of a stress fracture. When you press lightly on the affected area, you will feel pain, even with minimal force. This pain is often localized to a specific point on the bone, while muscle or soft tissue injuries will cause more widespread pain.
Swelling and bruising
Another telltale sign is swelling around the fracture site. While the swelling is usually mild, it may be accompanied by bruising or slight discoloration of the skin. The body’s inflammatory response to the bone injury results in fluid buildup and swelling in the surrounding area.
Pain even with normal movement
When the fracture is severe, the pain will occur not only during exercise or strenuous exercise but also during daily activities. Simple actions such as walking or standing for a long time can also cause discomfort. This shows that the injury is becoming more serious and needs to be treated immediately to avoid further damage, according to Medical News Today.
Source: https://archive.vietnam.vn/dau-hieu-dau-canh-bao-can-phai-ngung-tap-luyen-ngay/
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