Stress Fracture

What is a Stress Fracture?

A stress fracture is described as a small crack in the bone which occurs from an overuse injury of a bone. It commonly develops in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. When the muscles of the foot are overworked or stressed, they are unable to absorb the stress and when this happens the muscles transfer the stress to the bone which results in stress fracture.

Causes of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are caused by a rapid increase in the intensity of exercise. They can also be caused by impact on a hard surface, improper footwear, and increased physical activity.

Athletes participating in certain sports such as basketball, tennis, or gymnastics are at a greater risk of developing stress fractures. During these sports the repetitive stress of the foot strike on a hard surface causing trauma and muscle fatigue. An athlete with inadequate rest between workouts can also develop stress fracture.

Females are at a greater risk of developing stress fracture than males, and it may be related to a condition referred to as “female athlete triad.” It is a combination of eating disorders, amenorrhea (irregular menstrual cycle), and osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). The risk of developing stress fracture increases in females if the bone weight decreases.

Symptoms of Stress Fractures

The most common symptom is a pain in the foot which usually gets worse during exercises and decreases upon resting. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness may also occur at a specific point.

Diagnosis of Stress Fractures

Your doctor will diagnosis the condition after discussing symptoms and risk factors and examines the foot and ankle. Some of the diagnostic tests such as X-ray, MRI scan, or bone scan may be required to confirm the fracture.

Treatment of Stress Fractures

Non-Surgical Method:

Stress fractures can be treated by non-surgical approach which includes rest and limiting the physical activities that involve foot and ankle. If children return too quickly to the activity that has caused a stress fracture, it may lead to chronic problems such as harder-to-heal stress fractures. Re-injury can also occur without allowing the stress fracture to completely heal.

Protective footwear may be recommended which helps to reduce stress on the foot. Your doctor may apply a cast to the foot to immobilize the leg which also helps to remove the stress. Crutches may be used to prevent the weight on the foot until the stress fracture is healed completely.

Surgical Method:

Surgery may be required if the fracture is not healed completely by non-surgical treatment. Your doctor makes an incision on the foot and uses internal fixators such as wires, pins, or plates to attach the broken bones of the foot together until healing happens, after which these fixators can be removed or may be permanently left inside the body.

Prevention of Stress Fractures

Some of the following measures may help to prevent stress fractures:

• Start any new sport activity slowly and progress gradually.
• Cross-train by alternating exercises to prevent injury. For example, run on even days and ride a bike on odd days instead of running every day. This reduces the risk of injury from overuse and limits stress on specific muscles, as different activities use muscles in different ways.
• Maintain a healthy diet that includes calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods.
• Ensure your child uses proper footwear for any sports activity and avoids using old or worn-out shoes.
• If your child complains of pain and swelling, immediately stop the activities and ensure they rest for a few days.

If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of stress fractures, please contact Dr. Raszewski, serving South, GA.