Parkes Phoenix Editor

The stress fracture is a common overuse injury seen in athletes who participate in endurance and high load bearing activities. Stress fractures in the lower limb account for between 80 to 90% of all stress frac- tures, and in runners contributes to almost 16% of all injuries.

During periods of relative inactivity, with osteoporosis or eating disorders, the den- sity of bone decreases. If loads on the bone become repetitive or abnormally high, and the bone is not given enough rest to allow for adaptation, the rate of stress-induced microfractures in the bone exceeds the rate at which the bone can repair, and stress fractures develop.

The typical complaint with stress fractures is of a gradual onset of pain. Initially there is just pain with activity that subsides with rest, but returns when the aggravating activity is resumed. Local tenderness and swelling is often found at the fracture site and pain is easily localised as opposed to shin splints, which produce a more diffuse pain.

Treatment initially involves rest from the aggravating activity for approximately four to six weeks. It may also require bracing or the use of a cam boot. In some cases surgery may even be required. Return to sport should be gradual to allow time for adaptation within the bone. It is important that all biomechanical and nutritional causes be addressed to prevent recurrence. Cross training and participating in a variety of different sporting activities can help minimise the risk of stress fractures.

It is important to remember if you recognise the symptoms early and treat them ap- propriately, you can return to sport at your normal playing level.

“For the fitness of you”

Linda Reilly

Forbes Shire Council has commenced the process to purchase the 72-hectare site of the former Lachlan Vintage Village.

It was resolved at Council’s March meeting that the Mayor and General Manager would negotiate a purchase price with the owner.

“These negotiations were successful and at the April Council meeting, Council re- solved to go ahead with the purchase.” Mayor Graeme Miller said. “The contracts have been drawn and it is hoped they would be close to exchanging very soon.”

“Once the purchase is finalised, Council will consider the proposed uses prior to making a resolution. A master plan for the land will then be developed, which will include consultation with the Forbes community. This is a truly exciting opportunity for Forbes.” said the Mayor.

“The large site will allow Council to consider drainage and stormwater solutions for the area.” he added. “The site also has a number of zones that can potentially lead to residential and tourism developments. There are no other opportunities for residential development in this area, therefore the purchase of this site is a huge step for more land to be made available for residential development.”

The Mayor said the master plan would de- fine the concept and maximise the potential of the site.

The Lachlan Vintage Village was established in the early 1970s on land bordering the Newell Highway that was originally goldfields. The village was a historically authentic recreation of the NSW gold mining and early farming era. It is recorded that during the 1990s there was a down-turn in interest in Australian colonial history. Due to this, the Old Sydney Town, north of Sydney set out according to James Mee- han’s map of Sydney in 1803, closed to the public in 2003, and the Lachlan Vintage Village closed in 2004.

By Dianne Collie