The skeleton provides the strength and stability people need to function day-to-day. When bones fail due to trauma or stress, the rest of the body is similarly affected. If you are struggling with pain caused by a stress fracture, find less pain, more living at Southlake Orthopaedics. We deliver complete orthopedic care, helping patients recover from all types of sports and overuse injuries. Learn more about our treatments for stress fractures and other injuries at locations near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama.
Stress fractures are a type of skeletal fracture that arises from repeated stress on a bone. Unlike a traumatic fracture, which occurs in an instant due to a single, powerful force, stress fractures build up over a long period of time due to small forces applied recurrently. The repeated stresses create a bruise on the bone that gradually evolves into tiny cracks.
The weight-bearing bones of the feet, legs, hips, and lower spine receive large amounts of stress during day-to-day life. As a result, these are the most common sites where stress fractures develop. Stress fractures can occur anywhere in the body. However, they are especially likely to occur in parts of the body that are heavily used.
Stress fracture symptoms are minor at the start, and very mild fractures may not cause any symptoms at all. As the fracture gets worse, the symptoms intensify. Symptoms affect the area around the site of the fracture and include:
If patients are experiencing ongoing pain, they should contact an orthopedic physician or a sports medicine specialist. A medical diagnosis is the first step toward successful treatment and a lifestyle free from pain.
Almost all stress fractures are caused by overuse. Any repetitive motion that puts stress on a bone can result in a stress fracture. Athletes are at risk of developing a stress fracture, as are people who work physical labor jobs. The following can increase the likelihood of a stress fracture:
Certain health conditions can also put people at greater risk of a stress fracture. Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them brittle and susceptible to damage. Obesity increases the weight that bones must support, resulting in greater stress for the same amount of activity. Bunions, flat feet, or high arches change the way people walk, stressing bones in ways they are less equipped to handle.
Stress fracture diagnosis begins with a physical exam. The physician checks the limb’s range of motion, feels for tender areas, and asks questions about the patient’s symptoms. They may also ask about previous injuries, sports involvement, or the patient’s job to identify potential risk factors.
The physical exam is typically followed by medical imaging. An X-ray is used to examine the bones closely for the hairline cracks indicative of a stress fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be requested. MRI scans are useful for examining soft tissue and can tell the physician whether the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage are also injured. Finally, a bone density test may be requested to check for osteoporosis, which can sometimes be responsible for stress fractures.
Most stress fractures are treated using the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) method. Rest prevents the bone from receiving further stress while it heals, ice numbs the area to relieve pain, and compression and elevation help to reduce swelling. Pain relief medications may be recommended to reduce discomfort while the bone heals. In some cases, the patient may be fitted with a brace or custom orthotic to immobilize the bone, ensuring that it mends correctly.
Conservative treatments are often followed by physical therapy. This stage of rehabilitation is focused on building muscle strength around the fracture site. This reverses the effects of several weeks of resting, helping patients get back to training sooner, while helping to prevent further injury.
Southlake Orthopaedics is home to a multi-specialty team of board-certified physicians and other medical professionals. These knowledgeable experts work together to deliver comprehensive care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Meet our team here:
Stress fractures and other overuse injuries get in the way of doing what you love. If you find yourself held back from your job or favorite activities, Southlake Orthopaedics can help you return to full function. We are a multi-specialty team serving central Alabama patients at locations near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, with comprehensive orthopedic care. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.