Stress fractures

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Simple steps can help you prevent stress fractures.

  • Make changes slowly. Start any new exercise program slowly and progress gradually.
  • Use proper footwear. Make sure your shoes fit well and are appropriate for your activity. If you have flat feet, ask your doctor about arch supports for your shoes.
  • Cross-train. Add low-impact activities to your exercise regimen to avoid repetitively stressing a particular part of your body.
  • Get proper nutrition. To keep your bones strong, make sure your diet includes plenty of calcium and other nutrients.
Lifestyle and home remedies
References
  1. Choi L. Stress fractures. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0160&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&sid=1047023574&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0160&uniqId=217064656-4#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0160. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
  2. Stress fractures. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=54. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
  3. deWeber K. Overview of stress fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
  4. Dugan S. Stress fractures. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/217064656-5/1047023574/1678/73.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50072-9_1152. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
  5. Glossary of orthopaedic diagnostic tests. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00272. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
DS00556 Dec. 7, 2010

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