Our bones sustain different types of injuries, and amongst these are hairline fractures. Since they occur due to extreme stress on the bone, they are also thus referred to as stress fractures.
In this injury, bone gets cracked or severely bruised, unlike a regular fracture in which the bone breaks into parts instead.
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive action or overuse of the force. Hairline fractures are therefore common amongst athletes like runners or jumpers, as they tend to do the same motion repeatedly. These fractures are also common in cases where bones are already weak, as is the case of osteoporosis.
Hairline fractures are more likely to occur in the lower limbs, especially when they are used to lug weight around. These fractures can be less obvious as opposed to the clean breaks, and therefore are less visible using X-rays. Thus, one needs to get an MRI in Islamabad to establish a case of stress fracture.
Symptoms of Hairline Fracture
Hairline fracture causes swelling and bruising around the area of injury. The injury is also accompanied by pain, that aggravates over time, if not treated in due course. Pain, however, tends to abate during periods of rest.
There is also tenderness due to the fracture as well.
Causes of Hairline Fracture
The basic cause of hairline fracture is repeated action, especially when the time or the intensity of the activity is increased.
Sudden change in the type of activity that you do can also cause hairline fracture. Even though you may be physically fit, changing activity still makes you vulnerable to sustaining stress fractures.
Furthermore, hairline fractures are also caused when the rate at which new bones are formed is slower than the rate at which old bones are broken.
Risk factors
Some people are more likely to suffer from stress fractures. The risk factors include:
Foot problems
People who have flat feet, rigid arches, and high arches have a greater risk of foot issues.
Footwear
Wearing improper footwear not only increases the risk of injuries, but also that of stress fractures as well.
History of stress fractures
Previous instances of stress fractures makes one more prone to future episodes as well.
Nutrient deficiency
Lack of vitamin D and calcium makes one more prone to stress fractures. Moreover, those suffering from eating disorders are more likely to have hairline fractures.
Sports
Since people partaking in high intensity sports not only have to exert themselves more, but also have to perform the same motion repeatedly. Both these factors then increase their likelihood of developing stress fractures.
Sex
Women are more likely to sustain stress fractures, as opposed to men. Those with periods and ergo hormonal problems have greater tendency for stress fractures.
Weak bones
Naturally, weak bones are more likely to sustain injury. Conditions like osteoporosis make the bones weak, and thus more prone to stress fractures.
Weather
Since winters are remarked by lack of sunshine, thus, people living in places with inadequate sunlight are more likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and therefore the chances of stress fractures run higher.
Treatment
In the aftermath of any skeletal or muscular injury, RICE is the usual modus operandi. It refers to rest, ice, compression and elevation.
For the treatment of hairline fractures, patients might also be administered NSAIDs. Moreover, it is pertinent to take weight off the injured limb, allowing it to heal. The usual healing time is 6-8 weeks.
Some people might also require surgery to heal the fracture. Therefore, if you suspect a case of hairline fracture, get an imaging test like a CT scan in Lahore, and confer with the doctor regarding the treatment option.
