What is a hairline fracture?

A hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone.

This injury is most common in athletes, especially athletes of sports that involve running and jumping.

People with osteoporosis can also develop hairline fractures.

Hairline fractures are often caused by overuse or repetitive actions when microscopic

damage is done to the bone over time. Not allowing yourself enough time to heal between

activities is often a factor in the probability of getting this injury.

The bones of the foot and leg are especially prone to hairline fractures. These bones absorb a lot

of stress during running and jumping. Within the foot, the second and third metatarsals are most

commonly affected. This is because they’re thin bones and the point of impact when pushing

off on your foot in order to run or jump. It’s also common to experience a hairline fracture in your:

• heel
• ankle bones
• navicular, a bone on the top of the midfoot

What are the symptoms of a hairline fracture?

The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is pain. This pain can gradually get worse

over time, especially if you don’t stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during

activity and lessens during rest. Other symptoms include:

• swelling
• tenderness
• bruising

What causes a hairline fracture?

Most hairline fractures are caused from either overuse or repetitive activity. An increase in

either the duration or frequency of activity can result in a hairline fracture. This means

that even if you are used to running, suddenly increasing either your distance or the

number of times per week you run can cause this injury.

Another similar cause of a hairline fracture is changing the type of exercise you do.

For example, if you’re an excellent swimmer, it’s still possible to sustain an injury

from suddenly engaging in another intense activity like running, no matter how

good of shape you may be in.

Bones adapt to increased forces put on them through various activities, where new

bones form to replace old bone. This process is called remodeling. When the breakdown

happens more rapidly than new bone can form, you increase your likelihood of a hairline fracture.

Please visit us for consultation and treatment 

Pusat Rawatan Tradisi Wong 

14 Jalan Lapangan Siber 1 Bandar Cyber 31350 Ipoh Tel |: 0124520077