Keep Calm and Heal Stress Fractures

A stress fracture, also known as a fatigue-induced fracture, occurs when one or more small cracks form in a bone due​ to repeated stress and overuse. This type of injury is commonly found in the lower extremities of athletes.

Causes

Repetitive motion is a common cause of stress fractures. When muscles become fatigued, they lose the ability to absorb the impact of ground forces, which then get transmitted to the bones. Over time, this overload leads to small cracks in the bone. High-impact sports, particularly those involving repeated activity, can cause these injuries. Common sports that often lead to stress fractures include:

• Track and field activities
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Gymnastics

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a stress fracture is pain in the affected area, which worsens with activity and improves with rest. Early symptoms might be mild, but if ignored, the pain can intensify.

Treatment

Pain serves as the body’s natural mechanism to protect against serious injury. Immediate treatment often follows the R.I.C.E. method:

• Rest – essential to reduce strain on the bone and surrounding joints.
• Ice – helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
• Compression – reduces swelling around the injured area.
• Elevation – keeps the injury above the heart to help minimize swelling.

Rest, along with limited weight-bearing, is crucial to reduce stress on the bone and surrounding joints. Shoe inserts can also help with shock absorption.

If you experience tingling, numbness, or pain, stop the activity and seek medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms can worsen the injury, leading to more severe damage.

A stress fracture is an early indicator of bone strain, and quick action is key to preventing further harm. Initially, stress fractures cause dull, aching pain in a general area, but they can develop into sharp, localized pain as they progress.

If you are participating in ongoing, repetitive activity or a high impact sport, it is important to rest periodically from the task and do the following:

• Massage the limbs and joints
• Stretch the muscles
• Relieve the pressure by reducing weight-bearing on the affected joints

Recovery from a stress fracture is gradual, as the bone needs time to heal. The primary goal of physical therapy during recovery is to prevent further injury. Once healing is complete, a physical therapist can help you regain full function by designing an exercise program tailored to gradually rebuild strength and mobility in the bones, muscles, and joints.

Physical therapy is often an effective non-surgical treatment for mild to moderate stress fractures. Techniques commonly used by physical therapists include:

• Cold compresses: To reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Strengthening exercises: To rebuild strength in the affected limbs and joints.
• Bracing and splinting: To limit the load on injured joints.
• Ergonomic footwear: To promote proper alignment and reduce stress on the bones.
• Psychosocial support: Helping professional athletes recover quickly and effectively while maintaining mental well-being.

If you or someone you know is dealing with, or at risk of, a stress fracture, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help take the stress out of your recovery.