The NFL Draft is looming. Many eyes in Pennsylvania are on homegrown Lasalle College High School and Penn State superstar Abdul Carter and just how high he may be drafted – perhaps even first in the draft. Prospects attend the NFL Combine to show off their physical prowess and solidify or enhance their draft potential to NLF General Managers. During the combine, medical examinations are conducted. During an examination of Abdul Carter at this year’s combine, doctors discovered he had a stress reaction in his right foot. This is a significant injury scare for, arguably, a potential No. 1 pick. Carter did not workout at the NFL Combine or Penn State’s Pro Day, even though he reportedly said he did not experience any pain related to the stress reaction, before or after its discovery.
Stress Reaction
Most are familiar with the term stress fracture, but perhaps not stress reaction. Both stress reactions and stress fractures are types of overuse injuries which affect the bones. Both injuries occur when bones are subjected to repetitive stress without adequate time to recover and rebuild. The key difference between them is in severity.
Stress Fracture
If we were to consider bone fatigue a process with a beginning and an end, a stress reaction is the very early stages of that stress injury process. Stress reactions happen when the bone begins to deteriorate from repetitive loading or impact. This causes microscopic damage and inflammation to the bone. At this stage of the process the bone is absorbing damage faster than it can repair itself. The structure of the bone is intact but compromised. As with Abdul Carter, this stage of the process could be asymptomatic. However, if discovered, it is the body’s tell-tale sign intervention is needed to prevent further damage.
Stress fractures are what happens next if the stress reaction goes unnoticed or untreated. As mentioned, Abdul Carter said he experienced no symptoms. Luckily, he had a medical exam which permitted the discovery of the stress reaction in his right foot. Had the stress reaction gone unchecked it likely would have progressed to a stress fracture. This is one or more tiny cracks in the bone. This is a more significant injury requiring a longer recovery time.
Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment
It comes as no surprise an elite athlete like Abdul Carter could put bones under the repetitive mechanical stress to cause injury, but the rest of us are at risk too. Sudden increases in activity, poor fitting footwear, or running, jumping, or repetitive loading from work or exercise can cause anyone to develop a stress reaction or stress fracture.
To prevent these injuries, know the signs. Pay attention to your body. Stress reactions will manifest as aching or throbbing pain in a specific area during or after activity which may subside with rest. Eventually, mild swelling and tenderness to touch will ensue. If ignored, you will experience more localized and persistent pain which occurs even at rest or at night. There can be noticeable swelling or bruising and a bump may form over the fracture site. This means the stress reaction has likely progressed to become a stress fracture. A doctor will diagnose the specific issue via a thorough clinical evaluation, possibly utilizing X-rays or even MRIs.
The good news is with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs most stress reactions heal within 4-6 weeks. Stress fractures take longer to heal but will heal. If the stress fracture is in a foot, non-weight bearing may be required. In some cases, surgery may be a necessity to ensure proper healing. Typical healing times for stress fractures are longer at 6-12 weeks- or more. While frustrating, these injuries are manageable, and you can return to that dance class or to the gym eventually. As for Abdul Carter, after missing the NFL Combine and Penn State’s Pro Day to rest the injury to health, he will get his chance to go quarterback hunting in the NFL very soon.