Stress Fractures

 

Stress fractures most commonly occur in the foot or ankle, but can also occur in the tibia, femur and low back. The pain usually develops gradually becoming worse during exercise.  

Causes     

• Athletes - Sudden increase in physical activity e.g. increasing intensity or frequency of training 
• Non athletes – Sudden bout of exercise you are not used to, such as a long walk on an uneven surface on holiday for example. 
• New style of running shoe 
• Bone Insufficiency – e.g. Osteoporosis  
• Lower levels of Vitamin D, particularly during winter months  
• Poor Conditioning – Doing too much too soon 
• Improper technique/equipment 
• Change in surface, e.g. clay tennis court to grass court  
• Tend to be more common in girls and women 

Treatment 

 

When any pain is felt more than a few days, it is best to seek treatment from your Osteopath or Physiotherapist as soon as possible to help prevent further injury. Rest is the key to the initial treatment of a stress fracture. Healing time is similar to other fractures varying between 4-12 weeks, depending upon the bone involved, before gradual increases in activity may be resumed. The most common cause of a relapse is returning to sports too early. So, seek professional advice as soon as possible.