What Causes A Stress Fracture? 3 Signs & Symptoms Not To Ignore

The Story Behind Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are essentially deep bone bruises that occur because of trauma or overuse. If the injury isn’t addressed, over time, the repetitive trauma can lead to a crack in the bone, known as a stress fracture or stress reaction. While stress fractures can happen anywhere, the most common locations tend to be in the lower body, such as the legs and feet. Specifically, up to 75% of all stress fractures occur in the shin bone, also known as the tibia. But understanding when to manage a sports injury at home and when to see a doctor are important for avoiding stress fractures. The following three symptoms are signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Pain that won’t go away

Discomfort isn’t unusual when a person begins a new sport or workout routine. But the pain that won’t go away after several days, even after resting, is a sign that a trip to the doctor might be a good idea. Likewise, people should speak with a physician if the pain goes away with rest but then returns once an activity is resumed. Left untreated, the pain could turn into a fracture.

2. Swelling on the foot

While swollen feet can indicate a variety of conditions, the swelling associated with stress fractures is specific and located in strategic places. Typically a stress fracture in the foot can lead to swelling that occurs on the top of the foot or outside of the ankle, common locations for stress fractures.

3. Areas are tender to the touch

By default, pain is an uncomfortable sensation. But if a stress fracture is an underlying cause, people may experience extreme tenderness at the fracture site. The discomfort can be so bad that even lightly touching the area can be very painful and is known as being tender to the touch. If an individual experiences tenderness as described above, medical intervention should be sought.

What to do if you suspect a fracture

Understandably avid athletes hate the idea of having to rest, recuperate and potentially fall behind in athletic ability. But the alternative of not treating a stress fracture is the risk of the bone fully breaking. While medical attention should be sought immediately if a stress fracture is suspected, people should follow the RICE protocol until the appointment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest and avoid physical activities that put weight on the injury. Ice the injury for 20 minutes at a time. Use compression to minimize swelling by wrapping the area in a soft bandage. And, as much as possible, keep the injured area elevated. For more information about injury prevention, speak with a healthcare provider.