Health Tip: Help Prevent a Stress Fracture
January 19, 2010, 10:23 AM ET
• 1 min read
Jan. 20, 2010 -- (HealthDay News) -- A stress fracture occurs from overuse, when muscles become too weak to absorb the continued stress of physical activity, causing a small crack in a bone.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help prevent a stress fracture:
When embarking on a new sport or exercise plan, be sure to increase your activity gradually, not all at once.Try cross training and varying your exercise routine, rather than doing the same exercises each day.Eat healthy foods, especially those rich in calcium and vitamin D.Invest in good equipment, such as new running shoes with plenty of support.If you start to have any swelling or pain, give yourself a break with a few days of rest. If pain persists, see a doctor.