Stress fracture Health Dictionary

Stress Fracture: From 2 Different Sources


A fracture that occurs as a result of repetitive jarring of a bone. Common sites include the metatarsal bones in the foot (see March fracture), the tibia or fibula, the neck of the femur, and the lumbar spine. The main symptoms are pain and tenderness at the fracture site. Diagnosis is by bone imaging. Treatment consists of resting the affected area for 4–6 weeks. The fracture may be immobilized in a cast.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
a fracture occurring in normal bone that has been subjected to excessive and repetitive trauma resulting in cumulative microscopic fractures. Over time, these microfractures exceed the capacity of the normal healing process, resulting in the development of a macroscopic fracture (also known as a fatigue fracture). Patients are usually long-distance runners, ballet dancers, footballers, and others who undergo regular intensive training. Pain, localized tenderness, and swelling gradually develop; initially, X-rays are normal, but a bone scan or MRI will usually allow diagnosis to be made. Treatment includes protected weight bearing, rest, cross-training, and (less commonly) surgery.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete fracture, in which the bone is not completely broken across. It occurs in the long bones of children and is usually due to indirect force. (See BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures.)... greenstick fracture

March Fracture

A curious condition in which a fracture occurs of the second (rarely, the third) metatarsal bone in the foot without any obvious cause. The usual story is that a pain suddenly developed in the foot while walking or marching (hence the name), and that it has persisted ever since. The only treatment needed is immobilisation of the foot and rest, and the fracture heals satisfactorily. (For more information on fractures, see BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures.)... march fracture

Stress

Any factor or event that threatens a person’s health or adversely affects his or her normal functioning. Injury, disease or worry are common examples; others include internal con?icts, emotive life events – such as the death of a close relative or friend, the birth of a baby, separation or divorce – pressures at work or a hostile environment such as war or famine. Some individuals seem to be more prone than others to develop medical problems related to stress.

Stress prompts the body to raise its output of HORMONES such as ADRENALINE and CORTISOL, causing changes in blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. These are physiological responses intended to improve a person’s physical and mental performance – the ‘?ght or ?ight’ reaction to fear. Stress may, however, disrupt the ability to cope. Constant or recurrent exposure to stress may produce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, headaches, indigestion, diarrhoea, palpitations and general malaise (see POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)). Treatment can be di?cult and prolonged; counselling can help as can ANXIOLYTICS or ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS – but a change in job or lifestyle may be necessary in some circumstances.... stress

Colles’ Fracture

Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the lower end of the radius close to the wrist, caused usually by a fall forwards on the palm of the hand, in which the lower fragment is displaced backwards. (See BONE, DISORDERS OF.)... colles’ fracture

Comminuted Fracture

See BONE, DISORDERS OF.... comminuted fracture

Fractures

See BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures.... fractures

Fracture

A break in a bone, usually across its width. There are 2 main types: closed (simple) or open (compound) fractures. In a closed fracture, the broken bone ends remain beneath the skin and little surrounding tissue is damaged; in an open fracture, 1 or both bone ends project through the skin. If the bone ends are not aligned, the fracture is termed “displaced”. Fractures can be further divided according to the pattern of the break, for example, transverse or spiral fractures of long bones. In a greenstick fracture, the break is not through the full width of the bone. This type of fracture occurs only in children because their bones are more pliable. In an avulsion fracture, a small piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon.Most fractures are the result of a fall, but in osteoporosis the bone is weakened, and fractures such as compression fractures of the vertebrae are common.

Common sites of fracture include the hand, wrist (see Colles’ fracture), ankle joint, clavicle, and the neck of the femur (see femur, fracture of). There is usually swelling and tenderness at the fracture site. The pain is often severe and is usually made worse by movement.

X-rays can confirm a fracture. Because bone begins to heal soon after it has broken, the first aim of treatment is to ensure that the bone ends are aligned. Displaced bone ends are manoeuvred

back into position, under general anaesthetic, by manipulation either through the skin or through an incision. The bone is then immobilized. In some cases the ends of the bone may be fixed with metal pins or plates.

Most fractures heal without any problems. Healing is sometimes delayed because the blood supply to the affected bone is inadequate (as a result of damaged blood vessels) or because the bone ends are not close enough together. If the fracture fails to unite, internal fixation or a bone graft may be needed. Osteomyelitis is a possible complication of open fractures. (See also Monteggia’s fracture; pelvis; Pott’s fracture; rib, fracture of; skull, fracture of.)... fracture

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

A form of anxiety that develops after a stressful or frightening event.

Common causes include natural disasters, violence, rape, torture, serious physical injury, and military combat.

Symptoms, which may develop many months after the event, include recurring memories or dreams of the event, a sense of personal isolation, and disturbed sleep and concentration.

There may be a deadening of feelings, or irritability and feelings of guilt, sometimes building up to depression.

Most people recover, in time, with emotional support and counselling.... post-traumatic stress disorder

Bennett’s Fracture

Bennett’s fracture – so-called after an Irish surgeon, Edward Hallaran Bennett (1837–1907) – is a longitudinal fracture of the ?rst metacarpal bone in the wrist, which also involves the carpo-metacarpal joint.... bennett’s fracture

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (ptsd)

A term introduced to PSYCHIATRY in 1980 after the Vietnam War. It is one of several psychiatric disorders that can develop in people exposed to severe trauma, such as a major physical injury, participation in warfare, assault or rape, or any event in which there is major loss of life or a threat of loss of life. Most people exposed to trauma do not develop psychiatric disorder; however, some develop immediate distress and, occasionally, the reaction can be delayed for many months. Someone with PTSD has regular recurrences of memories or images of the stressful event (‘?ashbacks’), especially when reminded of it. Insomnia, feelings of guilt and isolation, an inability to concentrate and irritability may result. DEPRESSION is very common. Support from friends and family is probably the best management, but those who do not recover quickly can be helped by antidepressants and psychological treatments such as COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY. Over the past few years, PTSD has featured increasingly in compensation litigation.... post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)

Pott’s Fracture

A variety of fractures around the ankle, accompanied by a varying degree of dislocation of the ankle. In all cases the ?bula is fractured. Named after Percivall Pott, who suffered from this fracture and was the ?rst to describe it (see BONE, DISORDERS OF), it is often mistaken for a simple sprain of the ankle.... pott’s fracture

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are comparatively common in sportspeople. They tend to occur when an undue amount of exercise is taken – that is, an amount of exercise which an individual is not capable of coping with in his or her state of training. The main initial feature is pain over the affected bone that has been subjected to abnormal physical stress. This is usually insidious in onset, and worse at night and during and after exercise. It is accompanied by tenderness, and a lump may be felt over the affected site. X-ray evidence only appears after several weeks. Treatment consists of rest, some form of external support, and in the initial stage ANALGESICS to deaden or kill the pain. (See also BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures.)... stress fractures

Manager’s Stress

All in charge of other people are subject to a wide range of environmental stress, working conditions, conflict with superiors. Some are more predisposed to stress than others. Alternatives. Ginseng, Valerian, Skullcap, Oats, Gotu Kola.

Tea. Skullcap 1; Oats 2; Valerian half. Mix. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water. 1 cup as desired.

Life Drops. Few drops in tea.

Lime flower tea, at night.

Ginkgo. For brain fatigue.

Diet. Avoid strong tea, coffee, alcohol. ... manager’s stress

Cardiac Stress Test

One of a group of tests used to assess the function of the heart in people who experience chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations during exercise. The test establishes whether the patient has coronary artery disease. An ECG machine records the patterns of the heart’s electrical activity while the heart is stressed. This is usually achieved by the patient exercising on a treadmill or cycling. Specific changes in the electrical pattern as exercise levels increase indicate angina. Cardiac stress testing may be used in conjunction with radionuclide scanning to identify damaged areas of heart muscle.... cardiac stress test

Colles’ Fracture

A break in the radius (one of the lower-arm bones) just above the wrist, in which the wrist and hand are displaced backwards, restricting movement and causing swelling and severe pain.

The fracture is usually the result of putting out a hand to lessen the impact of a fall.

The broken bones are manipulated back into position, and set in a cast.

Healing takes up to 6 weeks.

Hand and wrist movements usually return to normal, but there may be minor wrist deformity.... colles’ fracture

Tea For Stress

Stress is known as a general state of fatigue and exhaustion due to sleeplessness or other causes such as sitting in one position for too long or having a lot to deal with. Stress is both a physical and a mental disorder, triggered by the body exhaustion due to hard working. The best way to deal with stress is to take some time off from school or work, but if you cannot afford that luxury, try a natural remedy. Some say that stress implies having too little time to solve too many problems while already being exhausted. At times, stress accumulations may lead to faints, blackouts or severe mental problems, such as paranoia or schizophrenia. How Tea for Stress Works A Tea for Stress’ main purpose is to make your body release enough endorphins to create a state of relaxation. These teas contain nutrients, enzymes and volatile oils capable to induce joy and happiness. Many of these teas can contain tannins, which is a substance whose main purpose is to calm the affected areas and nourish the nervous system. If you’re feeling down and stress is the main cause, try a Tea for Stress and enjoy its organic benefits! Efficient Tea for Stress When choosing a Tea for Stress, you need to make sure the one you’re picking is both safe and very effective, in order to avoid other unnecessary complications. If you’re thinking about taking a tea and you don’t know which one fits your needs best, here are some guidelines: - Chamomile Tea – also used as an adjuvant in the pharmaceutical and the cosmetic industry, Chamomile Tea can treat a number of affections, such as sore throat, flu, colds, pleurisy and pulmonary edema. Also, Chamomile is one of the safest and the most popular stress treatments and it can be found in almost any teashop or grocery store! - Mint Tea – contains an active ingredient called menthol which is responsible for this tea’s curative properties. This is a very important Tea for Stress, since its action doesn’t imply only the stress triggers, but also a large variety of affections, such as respiratory problems and ailments of the digestive tract (diarrhea, upset stomach, gastritis). This tea is also one hundred percent safe; just don’t take more than 6 cups per day! - Ginseng Tea – probably the most effective Tea for Stress, Ginseng Tea is also the most dangerous one. Make sure you don’t drink more than a cup per day for a short amount of time and that in case you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, you’ll talk to a specialist right away! - Lavender Tea – used for its fragrance and curative properties, lavender was used by the ancient Romans as a sleeping aid and a good relaxer. Modern medicine, however, found out that a cup of Lavender Tea per day will destroy both the stress and the tension in your body. Besides, you can find it almost anywhere! Tea for Stress Side Effects When taken properly, a Tea for Stress is generally safe. However, high dosages may lead to a number of health complications, such as diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, vomiting and ulcers. Just make sure you follow the instructions. To gather more information, talk to a specialist before making any move. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants or if you’re preparing for a major surgery, it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking one of these teas. Other than that, give any Tea for Stress a try and enjoy its wonderful benefits responsibly!... tea for stress

Femur, Fracture Of

The symptoms, treatment, and possible complications of a fracture of the femur (thigh-bone) depend on whether the bone has broken across its neck (the short section between the top of the shaft and the hip joint) or across the shaft.Fracture of the neck of the femur, often called a broken hip, is very common in elderly people, especially in women with osteoporosis, and is usually associated with a fall. In a fracture of the neck of the femur, the broken bone ends are often considerably displaced; in such cases there is usually severe pain in the hip and groin, making standing impossible. Occasionally, the broken ends become impacted. In this case, there is less pain and walking may be possible. Diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray. If the bone ends are displaced, an operation under general anaesthesia is necessary, either to realign the bone ends and to fasten them together, or to replace the entire head and neck of the femur with an artificial substitute (see hip replacement). If the bone ends are impacted the fracture may heal naturally, but surgery may still be recommended to avoid the need for bed rest.

Complications include damage to the blood supply to the head of the femur, causing it to disintegrate. Osteoarthritis may develop in the hip joint after fracture of the femur neck itself. However, immobility and the need for surgery in the elderly may result in complications, such as pneumonia, that are not directly related to the fracture site.

Fracture of the bone shaft usually occurs when the femur is subjected to extreme force, such as that which occurs in a traffic accident. In most cases, the bone ends are considerably displaced, causing severe pain, tenderness, and swelling.

Diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray. With a fractured femoral shaft there is often substantial blood loss from the bone. In most cases, the fracture is repaired by surgery in which the ends of the bone are realigned and fastened together with a metal pin. Sometimes the bone ends can be realigned by manipulation, and surgery is not necessary. After realignment, the leg is supported with a splint and put in traction to hold the bone together while it heals.

Complications include failure of the bone ends to unite or fusion of the broken ends at the wrong angle, infection of the bone, or damage to a nerve or artery.

A fracture of the lower shaft can cause permanent stiffness of the knee.... femur, fracture of

Fracture, Dental

A break in a tooth (see teeth) most commonly caused by falling onto a hard surface or by being hit in the mouth with a hard object.

Fractures may involve the crown or the root of a tooth, or both.

Fractures of the enamel can usually be repaired by bonding (see bonding, dental); in some cases, a replacement crown may be fitted (see crown, dental).

Pulpotomy may be performed if the pulp of a tooth is damaged.

Fractures of the root may be treated by splinting (see splinting, dental), root-canal treatment, or removing the tooth (see extraction, dental).... fracture, dental

’s Humerus, Fracture Of

The humerus is most commonly fractured at its neck (the upper end of the shaft, below the head), particularly in elderly people. Fractures of the shaft occur in adults of all ages. Fractures of the lower humerus occur most commonly in children.An X-ray can show a fracture of the humerus. A fracture of the bone’s neck usually requires only a sling to immobilize the bone; a fracture of the shaft or lower bone normally needs a plaster cast. Most fractures of the humerus heal in 6–8 weeks.... ’s humerus, fracture of

Teas For Stress

Unlike migraines, stress is an accumulation of disorganized pain that takes your body by surprise, inducing a state of general fatigue and irritation. Although migraines teas could also be used as a remedy for stress, it is possible that their effect on your general health to pass unnoticed. Since stress has a more profound characteristic, it’s best if you choose one of the following teas: - Green Tea (thanks to its calming amino acid which can be found in the leaves) - Kava Tea (induces a state of calmness without having the side effects of a traditional drug). How Teas for Stress Work First of all, if you’ve decided to go with Teas for Stress instead of traditional drugs, you need to know that, although the amount of side effects is very low, you still have to pay attention to the amount of tea you’re taking. Thanks to their main ingredients, which include tannin, caffeine, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamin C, their main responsibility is restoring your general well-being by enhancing the number of anti bodies and by fighting all pain triggers. Actually, these Teas for Stress focus on any type of fatigue accumulation that shouldn’t appear in your system. The enzymes contained have anti-inflammatory properties which can lower your nervous deviations and increase your blood flow in order to wash away the unwanted microbes. Efficient Teas for Stress When you’re looking for Teas for Stress, you have plenty oh choices. Aside from Green Tea and Kava Tea, you can also add the following teas to your medical cabinet: - Chamomile Tea – thanks to its curative properties, this remedy can bring you calmness without having to worry about any side effects. Its main plus consists in the fact that it is one hundred percent safe. - Valerian Tea – also used as a diuretic and a pain reliever, Valerian Tea is probably the most notorious name in this Teas for Stress list. Ancient Romans used it as a sedative and sleep aid. All these curative properties are generated by a substance called valepotriates, which can be found in both Valerian leaves and flowers. - Mint Tea – one of the world’s greatest panacea and a good replacer for your morning coffee, Mint Tea is the most popular medical treatment when it comes to stress too. When looking for Teas for Stress, you don’t have to go too far. If you have Mint in your kitchen, just reach for it and enjoy its wonderful benefits! - Ginseng Tea – you might find Ginseng a bit strong for your taste, but its action is strong and quickly. It is said that Ginseng clears out the exhaust and stress immediately, thanks to a series of natural enzymes. If the taste seems a bit unpleasant to you, just add a small amount of honey and lemon. Teas for Stress Side Effects It is important to remember that all medical treatments should be taken according to their specifications and that exceeding the number of teacups per day might cause you severe damages. However, when it comes to these Teas for Stress, the only thing you need to be careful about is the time period in which you take them. If you know you suffer from chronic stress symptoms, drink Mint Tea or Chamomile Tea, since they have no side effects. Aside from being a good help in cases of stress, Ginger Tea may cause diarrhea, nausea and other problems, so you need to pay attention to your treatment. Also, only take the tea are long as you feel sick and don’t make a habit out of it! Other than that, there’s no reason not to give these Teas for Stress a try and enjoy their natural benefits wisely!... teas for stress

Jaw, Fractured

A fracture of the jaw, most often caused by a direct blow. A minor fracture may cause tenderness, pain on biting, and stiffness. In more severe injuries, teeth may be loosened or damaged, jaw movement may be severely limited, and there may be loss of feeling in the lower lip. Minor fractures are normally left to heal on their own. For severe fractures with displacement of the bones, surgical treatment is necessary. To allow healing, the jaw is immobilized, usually by wiring the upper

and lower teeth together. The wires are removed after about 6 weeks.... jaw, fractured

Monteggia’s Fracture

Fracture of the ulna just below the elbow, with dislocation of the radius from the elbow joint.... monteggia’s fracture

Pott’s Fracture

A combined fracture and dislocation of the ankle caused by excessive or violent twisting. The fibula breaks just above the ankle; in addition, the tibia breaks or the ligaments tear, resulting in dislocation.... pott’s fracture

Rib, Fracture Of

Fracture of a rib may be caused by a fall or blow, or by stress on the ribcage, such as that produced by prolonged coughing.

The fracture of a rib causes severe pain, which may be relieved by analgesic drugs or by an injection of a local anaesthetic.... rib, fracture of

Skull, Fracture Of

A break in 1 or more of the skull bones caused by a head injury. In most skull fractures, the broken bones are not displaced and there are no complications. Severe injury may result in bone fragments rupturing blood vessels in the meninges, or, more rarely, tearing the meninges, leading to brain damage.

A fracture without complications usually heals by itself; damage to brain structures often requires neurosurgery.... skull, fracture of

Stress Ulcer

An acute peptic ulcer that develops after shock, severe burns or injuries, or during a major illness.

Stress ulcers are usually multiple and are most common in the stomach.

The exact cause is unknown.

Drugs are often given to severely ill patients in hospital to prevent the development of stress ulcers.... stress ulcer

Ulna, Fracture Of

A fracture of the ulna, 1 of the 2 bones of the forearm. Ulnar fractures typically occur across the shaft or at the olecranon process.

A fracture to the shaft usually results from a blow to the forearm or a fall onto the hand. Sometimes the radius is fractured at the same time (see radius, fracture of). Surgery is usually needed to reposition the broken bone ends and fix them together using either a plate and screws or a long nail down the centre of the bone. The arm is immobilized in a cast, with the elbow at a rightangle, until the fracture heals.

A fracture of the olecranon process is usually the result of a fall onto the elbow. If the bone ends are not displaced, the arm is immobilized in a cast that holds the elbow at a rightangle. If the bone ends are displaced, however, they are fitted together and fixed with a metal screw.... ulna, fracture of

Cervical Fracture

a fracture of a vertebra in the neck (see cervical vertebrae). Cervical fractures range from minor, requiring no treatment, to those associated with paralysis and instant death. Treatment can be support with a collar, skull traction, an *orthosis attached to the skull, or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.... cervical fracture

Fatigue Fracture

see stress fracture.... fatigue fracture

Genuine Stress Incontinence

see incontinence.... genuine stress incontinence

Insulin Stress Test

an important but potentially dangerous test of anterior pituitary function involving the deliberate induction of a hypoglycaemic episode with injected insulin and the subsequent measurement of plasma cortisol and growth hormone at regular intervals over the next three hours. The stress of the hypoglycaemia should induce a rise in the levels of these hormones unless the anterior pituitary or the adrenal glands are diseased. The test can induce epileptic seizures or angina in those with a predisposition and should not be performed in susceptible individuals. It is often combined with the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) test and the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test in what is known as the triple test (or dynamic pituitary function test).... insulin stress test

Pathological Fracture

a fracture through diseased or abnormal bone, usually resulting from a force insufficient to fracture a normal bone. Tumour, infection, congenital bone defects, and osteoporosis are among the causes.... pathological fracture

Penile Fracture

the traumatic rupture of the *tunica albuginea of the erect penis (the fibrous covering of the spongy tissue of the penis).... penile fracture

Smith’s Fracture

a fracture just above the wrist, across the distal (far) end of the radius, resulting in volar (forward) displacement of the hand and wrist below the fracture. It is the reverse of *Colles’ fracture. [R. W. Smith (1807–73), Irish surgeon]... smith’s fracture

Stellate Fracture

a star-shaped fracture of the kneecap caused by a direct blow. The bone may be either split or severely shattered; if the fragments are displaced, the bone may need to be surgically repaired or rarely removed (patellectomy).... stellate fracture

Stress Incontinence

see incontinence.... stress incontinence

Stress Test

an investigation to seek evidence of cardiac *ischaemia. The heart is stressed by exercise or by the administration of an intravenous drug that increases heart rate (i.e. mimicked exercise). Ischaemia may then be detected by electrocardiography (stress ECG or exercise ECG), *echocardiography (showing the development of impaired function in areas of heart muscle that are ischaemic), *myocardial perfusion scan, or cardiac MRI.... stress test

Stress Ulcers

gastric or duodenal ulcers that can be associated with physiological stress from severe head injury (Cushing’s ulcers) or major burns (Curling’s ulcers).... stress ulcers

Scaphoid Fracture

a fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist, usually caused by a fall onto the outstretched hand. There is pain and swelling in the *anatomical snuffbox and movements of the wrist and thumb are painful. If the fracture is suspected but not initially visible on X-ray, advanced imaging (a bone scan, CT scan, or MRI) is now increasingly used to confirm the diagnosis without delay. Treatment is with a cast for an undisplaced fracture and by internal fixation for a displaced fracture. Due to the anatomy of its blood supply, healing can take a long time, and a *bone graft and internal fixation may be required for non-*union.... scaphoid fracture



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