Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is an overuse injury resulting from repetitive forces that are directed to weight bearing bones.

Overview
Causes
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment

What is a Stress Fracture?

  • A stress fracture is an overuse injury resulting from repetitive forces that are directed to weight bearing bones.
  • Stress fractures are most common in the tibia, fibula and foot.

What Causes a Stress Fracture?

  • These injuries occur when the stress to that area increases too quickly before the bone has a chance to adapt to changes.
  • The bones weaken due to too much activity and pain develops.
  • Lower leg stress fractures are common among runners who train too much, too quickly.

What are the Symptoms of a Stress Fracture?

  • Pain over a bone after activity that progresses to pain during activity.
  • Pain over a bone with activity and with normal daily activities.

What Can I Do to Feel Better?

  • Rest. Do not do things that cause pain.
  • Ice for 15-20 minutes at a time.

When Should I See a Medical Professional?

  • If rest and ice are not improving the condition.
  • If you are unsure about the severity of the condition.
  • There are many contributing factors to this injury and if you suspect you may be suffering from a stress fracture, discontinue activity and seek medical care.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Sports Medicine: Low Back Strain/Sprain

The low back is a complex structure of bone and muscle that is supported by cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and fed by a network of blood vessels and nerves. Certain motions, such as bending, twisting or lifting, can sometimes lead to a low back strain or sprain.

Tibial Stress Fracture

The tibia (shin bone) is the larger, and major weight bearing bone, of the two lower leg bones. A tibial stress fracture is a complete or incomplete break that develops over time, usually as a result of repeated activity.

Metatarsal Stress Fracture

A metatarsal stress fracture is a break in the foot which involves one or more of the long foot bones (metatarsals). It is caused by intense exercise or repeat pressure on the foot.