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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