There are many types of sports injuries, and one of the most common is a fracture, or broken bone. Our bones are basically composed of hard and firm tissues that make up the framework of our body and allow it to endure a certain amount of stress. However, when a greater amount of force is placed on our body that what our bones can handle, they fracture.

Some of the common causes of fractures are accidents, falls, and even the overuse of our bones. The weakening of our bones and other bone-related conditions, like low bone density, can also trigger fractures. In sports, broken bones commonly occur in the fingers, wrists, arms, hands, collarbones, ankles, feet, and ribs.

One type of fracture that athletes often experience is a stress fracture. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that result from overuse, and they normally happen in feet after continuous, rigorous activity. They are common in basketball, running, football, rugby, and jumping sports. There are several different types of stress fractures, including tibia stress fractures, fibula stress fractures, talus bone stress fractures, and medial malleolus stress fractures.

The tibia is the larger of the two shin bones found in the lower leg, and since they bear more weight, that’s why they are more susceptible to stress fractures.

The fibula is the smaller of the two shin bones in the lower leg. Although it is part of the lower leg, it endures less pressure than the tibia, and fractures in this bone are therefore less frequent.

Football players and runners often encounter stress fractures in the talus bone. The talus bone is the bone found at the top of the ankle, where our shin bones sit. Stress fractures in this bone occur when the ankle is overly flexed.

The small bone found inside the ankle is what we call the medial malleolus. Medial malleolus stress fractures are most likely to happen to athletes that are involved in running and jumping activities, but generally speaking, they are rare.

Other types of fractures that can occur are skull fractures and distal radius wrist fractures. A head injury incurred during sports activity can trigger a skull fracture or breakage of part of the skull bone. Distal radius fractures occur in the wrist and can be caused by a person extending his or her arm to break a fall.

Fractures are common among athletes, but there are treatments that can reduce their effects. Treatments include rest, ice, compression, medication, physical therapy, exercise, massages, and, in some cases, wearing a brace or cast to protect the affected area.

-Dr Sid
Esprit Wellness
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