Question Asked anonymously · 28 Sept From AskDr Answered

Hairline fracture from past injury

Hi Dr.s I had a past injury (3years ago) from football, when a player stomped on my right feet which resulted in a hairline fracture (went for an x-ray)
No follow up appointments, only given pain medicine and I continue playing for my team due to lack of players.

It is not causing me any concern but prolonged wearing of football boots would hurt my right foot. Can individuals completely heal from a hairline fracture? Should I be concerned? Thank you

OrthopedicsSports Medicineinjuryfeet

1 answer from a verified clinician

Ordered by concurs from verified clinicians

Tanken Jin

Orthopedics · Orthosports Clinic @ Novena

Hi Yongkun, a hairline fracture should heal reliably given 1-3 months, but it may take extra time. The fracture might appear to be completely healed, but keep in mind that the bone needs to remodel 1% per year. Every day you wait will give you one more week until the bone is back to 100%. If you start "bearing weight" early enough after injury, then bolster with immobilization once extra stability is needed for support it should be fine.
Of course there are other factors that can influence how well a bone heals like smoking and diabetes which can increase your risk of added complications - so avoid these behaviors if possible by quitting smoking and taking care of your blood sugar before a break or fracture occurs!

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