Preventing and Healing Stress Fractures & Stress Reactions

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Preventing and Healing Stress Fractures & Stress Reactions
By The Sock Doc


A stress fracture occurs when there is an overload of stress in a bone because of poor biomechanics and sometimes accompanying nutritional imbalances. Poor biomechanics occur due to muscle imbalances that are a result of mechanical and nutritional problems. Improper footwear is a very common mechanical factor resulting in muscle imbalances and subsequently a stress fracture. Those who wear footwear that is designed to absorb shock and control motion can be setting themselves up for a stress fracture as major muscles that help disperse and absorb shock naturally will no longer be working correctly.

Orthotics and Footwear

Orthotics typically cause similar problems, as do arch supports and shoes that lift the heel too far off the ground and put excess stress on the mid and forefoot. This type of footwear disrupts normal gait, causing muscle imbalances and dispersing stress to isolated areas that is not meant to handle such a load. Eventually the area breaks down – literally. For most, wearing minimalist shoes is very important when you walk and run so your gait is not altered, and even going barefoot at times can be very beneficial. To continue reading, please visit http://sock-doc.com/2011/11/stress-fractures_stress-reactions/.
 
Interesting reading, thanks a lot for your articles. I have read this one a couple of times recently as I'm currently recovering from a 2nd metatarsal stress fracture myself and looking for ideas. I'll make a thread about my own situation to save cluttering this one, but I found the diet thoughts in the linked articles to be of interest. I think I could tick a few of those boxes. Lack of sleep, sugar cravings, irritability, injury and possible change of gait. The works.

Any thoughts on rehab/exercise for recovery and improved gait afterwards? Is there any value in this, or is the foot too close to the ground to really benefit from having changes?