Stress Fractures

What is it?

A stress fracture is a microfracture in bone that results from repetitive physical loading. Stress fracture may occur in virtually any bone in the body. The most commonly affected bones are the bones in the shins and foot. Most studies suggest that excessive pronation and foot instability, as well as a change in activity are the likely contributing factors to stress fractures seen in the foot.

Symptoms

Patients with stress fractures usually complain of localised pain and tenderness over the fracture site. There will often be a history of a recent change in training or taking up a new activity.

Treatment

It is very important to have the condition diagnosed. Our podiatrists are trained to detect and treat stress fractures affecting the foot. Depending on the severity of the condition, these are the treatments that can be implemented:

• Rest from physical activities that aggravate the stress to the bones
• Foot orthotics to reduce forces to the muscle and in turn the bone by preventing excess pronation
• Non-weight bearing casts for 4-6 weeks in more severe cases