Stress fractures a common injury among athletes

Sept. 24, 2009, DANVILLE – With fall sports season in full swing, injuries can be a common sideliner for area athletes.

“Many of our young athletes find themselves benched as a result of stress fractures, a common injury involving tiny cracks in a bone caused by repeated force to an area such as the foot or leg. This typically occurs following a sudden increase in physical activity,” said Jason Jarinko, ATC, CSCS, program director of Geisinger’s Athletic Training program. “This overuse injury develops after the surrounding muscles fatigue and fail to absorb shock, therefore transferring physical stress to the bone and causing the cracks.”

Routine pain during physical activity is the most common symptom of stress fractures, according to Jarinko. The pain usually subsides during times of rest, but will resume during workouts or other strenuous activity. More than 50 percent of all stress fractures occur in the lower leg or the foot. Football players and soccer players are among those most commonly affected, but the injury can afflict new fitness enthusiasts who increase their workouts too quickly.

“When starting a new workout regimen or participating in recreational sports, the key is learning to pace yourself. While physical activity offers tremendous health benefits, caution should always be used when just starting out,” Jarinko said.

Jarinko recommends setting modest goals at the beginning of a workout plan, and increasing the amount of activity each time. “Incremental goal setting can be very helpful in preventing stress fractures,” he explained. “Instead of starting out by running four miles a day, begin with a more modest goal, and gradually build upon that goal as your workout regimen progresses.”

Other easy-to-follow injury prevention methods include maintaining a healthy, calcium-rich diet; using the proper equipment, including footwear; and ceasing activity when soreness or discomfort persists.

“Stress fractures can be hard to detect, but if continued pain or swelling occurs during physical activity, it is best to consult with an orthopedist,” said Jarinko.

About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, Pa.) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations.  Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.