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Stress Fractures Stress fractures most commonly occur in the lower extremities, but also occur in non-weight-bearing bones, including the ribs, upper extremities, and the pelvis. The most common sites are the tibia, metatarsals, and fibula. A recent study demonstrated a high incidence of tarsal navicular stress fractures, which may be the most common site in certain groups such as sprinters and hurdlers. Sports associated with specific stress fractures include rowing and golf (ribs), baseball pitching (humerus), and gymnastics (spine). Recent studies have shown that the incidence of stress fractures in athletes is higher than previously thought. The most frequent sport associated with stress fractures is running. One prospective study of 95 track and field athletes showed an annual incidence of approximately 20 percent. (Bennell, K. The incidence and distribution of stress fractures in competitive track and field athletes: a twelve-month prospective study. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1996; 24:211-217.) The mainstay traditional treatment for stress fractures is rest. The theory behind this is that the bone is breaking down faster than it can be built up (because of the running), therefore rest is needed. A better approach is to view stress fractures as a connective tissue deficiency of the bone and to determine why that exact area is weakened. Women reportedly have a higher rate of stress fractures than men. (Bennell, K. A prospective study of risk factors for stress injury in female athletes (abstract). In Medicine and science in sports and exercise: American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting Supplement. 1995; 27:S196.) It has been found that many female runners who sustain stress fractures have a significantly later age of menarche (onset of menstruation), less menses per year, lower bone mineral density at the spine, and less lower-rib lean mass. In addition, female distance runners are known to have a high incidence of eating disorders, which itself may lead to amenorrhea or nutritional deficiencies. In one prospective study, females with lower bone density, history of menstrual disturbance, less lean mass in the lower limbs, a discrepancy in leg length, and who consume a very low fat diet were at a significant risk for stress fractures. No significant risk factors were identified in men; however, there was a strong trend toward low bone density, signifying that stress fractures are a connective tissue deficiency problem in both men and women since the mineral content of the bone was decreased. It is generally accepted, even in traditional medicine circles, that low mineral content in bone is often due to a deficiency in anabolic hormone production. (Lloyd, T. Women athletes with menstrual irregularity have increased musculoskeletal injuries. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 1986; 18:374-379. * Bennell, K. Risk factors for stress fractures in track and field athletes: a twelve-month prospective study. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1996;24:810-818.) Continue |
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Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician.
There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.
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