What Is the Treatment for a Hairline Fracture?
The treatment for a hairline, or stress, fracture begins by elevating the affected area and applying ice, according to WebMD. Patients sometimes take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve pain. In certain cases, doctors use splints or casts to immobilize the bone.
After swelling has subsided, patients with hairline fractures are allowed to put some weight on the area, states WebMD. Crutches or canes are often helpful for this. By the end of two weeks, individuals put full weight on the bone, because this speeds up the healing process. However, patients must not participate in the activity that led to the fracture for six to eight weeks. Doing so lengthens the healing period and sometimes causes permanent damage.
