Stress Fractures

Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are injuries caused to bones, secondary to chronic stress or overload. Stress fractures are more common in women than men. The bones of the foot are under constant load. If there is not proper support for high or chronic loads to the bones, they can weaken and begin to develop a small crack known as a stress fracture.

These injuries can quickly escalate with exercise (activities like walking or running for longer times or distances), incorrect training techniques, or it could be a change in the surface you are exercising on.

The foot and ankle structure is very complex, it is imperative to have a skilled foot and ankle physician examine the damage to determine the root cause of the pain or symptoms you may be experiencing. Hecker Sports Medicine™ helps to unravel complex foot and ankle conditions.

Stress Fracture Symptoms

• Pain with activity
• Pain post activity
• Nighttime throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness to touch

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Typical Treatment

• Rest
• Proper nutrition
• Evaluation of Vitamin D levels
• Immobilization
• Non-weight bearing

Do I need Surgery?

Occasionally, yes, if the stress fracture progresses to a full fracture that is misaligned.

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Advanced Treatment Stress Fracture

For more severe stress fractures or chronic non-healing fractures, advanced treatments can be helpful at delivering prompt healing to these injuries. Piezoelectric shockwave and optical therapeutic laser can stimulate rapid bone healing. Additionally, bone stimulators and medical foods for bone healing are able to quickly mend the chronic or non-healing bone injury. Learn more about stress fractures here.