Stress Fractures
Stress Fracture Symptoms
Localized swelling sometimes occurs at the site of the stress fracture, and there may be spot tenderness when touched. However, stress fractures occur over time, so it’s often difficult to know when the initial injury occurred.
Oftentimes, the pain begins earlier and earlier during exercise, and continues even after the activity is finished. Eventually, you may experience persistent pain with minimal activity, and even at night.
Stress Fracture Risk Factors
Athletes who repeatedly jump up and down or run long distances – such as in tennis, track and field, gymnastics, and basketball – are particularly susceptible to stress fractures. Your risk increases without sufficient rest between workouts or competitions. And once you’ve had a stress fracture, you’re at greater risk for having subsequent ones.
Other factors that can increase your risk of stress fractures include:
- Increased activity: Rapid increase in intensity, duration or frequency of exercise
- Gender: Women, especially those with abnormal or absent menstrual periods
- Foot problems: Anyone with flat feet or high, rigid arches
- Weakened bones: Conditions, such as osteoporosis
- Lack of nutrients: Deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium, common in eating disorders
Stress Fracture Treatment
The primary treatment for stress fractures is rest. You need to avoid the activity that caused the injury during the six to eight weeks it takes most stress fractures to heal.
If the pain doesn’t respond to rest, or becomes more persistent and severe, see a Summa Health orthopedic specialist. You may require a walking boot or brace, along with a cast or crutches to help keep weight off your injured area until the pain subsides.
Meet the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Team
The Summa Health Sports Medicine team is made up of primary care specialists and fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons who treat people of all ages and fitness levels. Our staff also serves as team physicians for area high schools and the Akron RubberDucks, as well as provides medical coverage for the Akron Marathon Race Series.