The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 209
Figure 12-3. Examples for Treating Painful Muscle
Cramps in the Calf and Quadricep Muscles
Fractures
A true fracture involves a break or chip in the hard outer surface of the bone. With
few exceptions, true fractures of the lower extremity require a period of immobilization in
a cast and supervised care by a medical officer.
Stress fractures differ from true fractures and are most commonly seen in the load-
bearing bones of the lower extremities, i.e. pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula and bones of the foot.
They are caused by excessive strain on the bone. Bone constantly undergoes remodelling
and repair in response to the stress of weight bearing. The repair process is accelerated by
rest, and is slowed in times of heavy exercise as with runs, hikes, marches and prolonged
training. When the breakdown process exceeds the bone's ability to repair itself, a stress
fracture may result. As the lower extremity bone becomes weakened, weight bearing
activity, such as running, may cause a vague, achy pain at or near the weakened site. The
first symptoms of stress fractures are initially poorly localized and often ignored. Later, as
the process continues, the bone will become tender in a very localized area and will often
ache at night or at rest. Ultimately, if left untreated, continued weight bearing may cause a
true fracture within the weakened area of bone. Physical training factors which increase the
risk for stress fractures include:
" A change in training surface (grass to asphalt, dirt to concrete).
Calf Quadricep