Stress Fractures

What are stress fractures?

A stress fracture is a very small,
fine break in the bone caused by continuous overuse. Stress fractures often occur in the
foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. While stress fractures
can occur in many bones that are subjected to repetitive activities, the bones of the
legs and feet are at greatest risk. The bones in the midfoot (metatarsals) in runners
are especially vulnerable to stress fractures.

What are the symptoms of a foot stress fracture?

A stress fracture may not cause obvious swelling. But symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Symptoms may include:

Pain in the front of the
foot, often after long or intense bouts of exercise
Pain that goes away during
rest , then returns when exercise is continued
Pain that occurs and increases during normal daily
activities
Swelling at the top of the foot or the outside of the ankle
Tenderness when the fracture area is touched
Bruises at the site of the fracture

The symptoms of stress fractures
can be like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a
diagnosis.

How is a stress fracture diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a stress fracture
usually is confirmed with a complete health history and a physical exam. X-rays often
cannot see stress fractures because they are so fine. So a bone scan or a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done. Once a callus forms around the fracture, an
X-ray can confirm a stress fracture.

Treatment for a stress fracture

Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and giving the fracture time to heal, usually around 6 to 8 weeks. Specific treatment for a stress fracture will depend on:

Your age, overall health, and health history
How serious your injury is
How well you are able to handle certain medicines, procedures, and therapies
How long your injury is expected to last
Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

Resting
Protecting the fracture site
with reduced weight bearing
Using cold packs
Taking medicine such as
ibuprofen
Wearing shock-absorbing shoes
during exercise
Running on soft surfaces, such as grass
Doing physical therapy
Switching to a less stressful activity, such as swimming or biking
Wearing a brace, boot, or
cast