A Comprehensive Guide on Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are common in athletes as they remain engaged in activities that demand repetitive movements like jumping or running. These types of repetitive activities are known to be the common reasons for stress fractures.

A stress fracture is a condition in which a tiny crack occurs in a bone, and the reason behind that is overuse of the bone resulting in stress. Weight-bearing bones like the ones in the foot are more prone to getting such fractures. Besides all this, those who go to the gym are also at the risk of getting stress fractures if they try to perform too much exercise too soon.

In most cases, these types of fractures can be fixed with non-surgical treatments like the application of a cast or a splint. However, in some cases, Orthopaedic Trauma Implants may be required for the treatment.

What Are the Common Locations for Stress Fractures?

Though repetitive stress/overuse could cause a stress fracture in any bone yet, weight-bearing bones are more prone to developing this condition. Some of the locations where stress fractures are commonly seen include:

• Second and third metatarsals

• Calcaneus bone

• Proximal femur

• Lower back

What Are the Reasons for Stress Fractures?

Risk factors for stress fractures are divided into two categories:

• Intrinsic

• Extrinsic

Intrinsic Risk Factors

• Age of the person

• Weight

• Any foot problems

• Gender, as females with irregular or no periods, are more prone to this condition

• Any ongoing medical conditions like osteoporosis or low bone mineral density

Extrinsic Risk Factors

• Improper way of doing exercise

• Incorrect sports technique

• An extensive training program that the body cannot handle

• Running on a sloped surface

• Use of poor-quality equipment or footwear while playing or doing exercise

• Having poor diet or malnutrition

• Low vitamin D and/or calcium levels in the body

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Stress Fracture?

Some of the common symptoms associated with stress fracture may include:

• Pain or swelling at the site of fracture

• Tenderness

• Inability to put weight on the affected limb

• Pain that becomes worse with movement

If stress fractures are not treated timely, they could become worse, and surgery may be required to treat the condition.

How is the Condition Diagnosed?

Physical examination is always the first step for the diagnosis of stress fractures. During the examination, the doctor will ask certain questions about your work activities, medical history, any past injuries, medicines you are taking, and the symptoms you are facing. After this, imaging tests like x-ray or MRI may be performed to confirm that the symptoms noticed are because of the stress fracture. In some cases, bone scans may also be done.

How is a Stress Fracture Treated?

The severity of the condition decides the treatment procedure used. Some of the most preferred treatment procedures include:

• Restraining from doing activities that cause pain

• Avoiding putting stress on the affected bone

• Application of ice on the affected area

• Complete rest as prescribed

• Consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and swelling

• Using orthopedic footwear

• Application of cast or a splint depending upon the severity of the condition to keep the fractured bone in place

• In some cases, internal fixation is required using metal implants like screws, nails, and plates

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