“TAKE-HOME POINTS
- Stress injuries, specifically of the lower extremity, are very common in new military trainees.
- Stress injury can range from benign periosteal reaction to displaced fracture.
- Stress injury should be treated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of injury, the location of the injury, and the likelihood of healing with nonoperative management.
- Modifiable risk factors such as nutritional status, training regiment, and even footwear should be investigated to determine potential causes of injury.
- Prevention is a crucial part of the treatment of these injuries, and early intervention such as careful pre-enrollment physicals and vitamin supplementation can be essential in lowering injury rates.”
