Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. Stress fractures often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. There usually is no swelling, but pain and tenderness often increase during movement. The goal of treatment is to control the pain, promote healing, prevent complications, and restore normal use of the injured area. Be sure to consult your child's physician if there is a prolonged, visible deformity of the affected area, or if severe pain prevents use of the arm, leg, wrist, ankle, or knee.
Most sports injuries are due to either traumatic injury or overuse of muscles or joints.
Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective ge ar, and using proper equipment. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this Web. Copyright 2000 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. All rights reserved.