Explanation and Causes:

A stress fracture is a tiny break or fracture in the bones usually of the lower leg and foot. Many stress fractures occur when a workout is unevenly intensified to a degree where the muscles tire and can no longer support all the stress put on the bone. 60-65 percent of people who have experienced a stress fracture have experienced one before.

Repetitive stresses such as running, aerobics, and other athletic activities are common causes of stress fractures. Other causes include:

  • Prolonged abrupt activities
  • Improper equipment such as shoes
  • Osteoporosis weakening of the bones
  • Uneven intensity changes in workouts
  • Age as bones start to soften and weaken

Symptoms:

  • Pain with activity and less pain with rest
  • Start to feel pain earlier and earlier in your workout
  • Swelling
  • Tender spots
  • Pain gets worse with time
  • Start to feel pain even at rest

Diagnosis and Tests:

  • X-rays
  • History and Physical
  • MRI
  • Bone Scan
  • CT scan

Treatment:

  • Rest
  • Ice 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes each time
  • Immobilize if possible
  • Splint
  • For severe cases a pin might be used to secure the fracture
  • Sometimes a stress fracture can take up to 5-6 weeks to heal completely

Prevention:

  • Workout doing non-stress activities such as swimming and biking
  • Start workout program slowly with appropriate intensity and duration
  • If you have flat feet, find arch supports
  • Run on soft surfaces
  • Cross-train

FitnessMBA – Fitness For Life
A site dedicated to providing information about all the fitness options and programs. Free Fitness Guides and tips.

This site is developed as a non-bias resource allowing weight-conscious individuals a place to compare and research the most popular weight-loss programs.

Fitnessbyliz.com offers free Health and Fitness Tips | Free Workout Plans | Nutrition. Find advice, articles, tools and fitness programs to help you reach your fitness goals.