Stress fractures are cracks in a bone. If you are engaged in physical activity and you often place strain on your ankle, you are more likely to experience a stress fracture. The stress fractures occur most often in the weight-bearing bones found in the ankle. If you are engaged in a sport that involves frequent jumping or running, you are especially vulnerable to a stress fracture.
Don’t Over-train
One of the best ways to avoid a stress fracture is to not over-train. When your muscles become tired, they are less able to absorb the shock that comes from impact. If you want to get the maximum benefit out of your workout, vary your workout in a way that reduces the extent to where you use a specific part of your body to avoid tiring out one area of your body too much. Any situation where you repeatedly strike your foot on the ground will make you highly likely to experience a stress fracture.
Use Proper Techniques
Another common cause of a stress fracture is how you train. If you do not use the right techniques designed by experts, you are more likely to experience a stress fracture. For example, if you do not run correctly, you will be placing strain on your ankle in a way that can cause stress fractures and tendonitis. The best way to learn a new workout is to consult with a fitness trainer.
Get the Right Equipment
Make sure you have the appropriate equipment for the workout you are performing. If you are running, make sure to wear running shoes. Also, make sure your shoes are in good condition and that they are the right size so they can provide adequate support. Even when not working out, be sure to wear the appropriate shoes because tripping and falling can lead to a stress fracture.
The environment you workout in can increase the risk of a stress fracture. Be especially careful when running over uneven terrain or across a sandy beach. Running in place in water can be beneficial not only for the added resistance, but also with how water absorbs the shock and helps prevent stress fractures.
If you’d like to live a long, healthy and active life, you will want to avoid stress fractures because they can take their toll. You will also want to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D because a deficiency can cause osteoporosis, which can also increase the risk of a stress fracture. Also, if you experience pain in your ankle that lasts for several days, you will want to see an orthopedic surgeon like Orthopaedic Associates Of Osceola.