Stress Fractures
What is a stress fracture?
Stress fractures are one of the most common overuse injuries, which occur in runners or physical active individuals. There are a variety of different causes of stress fractures which eventually result in small fractures or cracks in the affected bone. Stress fractures are more common in weight bearing bones of the body including feet and lower limbs.
What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?
- Pain aggravated by activities such as running or dancing
- Pain gradually worsens
- Examination reveals tenderness over the affected bone.
What are the common types of Fractures in the Foot?
- Stress fractures to 2nd, 3rd or 4th digits
- Jones Fracture (5th digit)
- Lisfrancs Fracture (2nd digit)
- March Fracture (2nd or 3rd digit)
- Avulsion Fracture (5th digit)
How do we treat a Stress Fracture?
The treatment plan for the stress fractures will change depending on the type of fracture and where the fracture is located. Some of the treatment options include:
- Relative rest from aggravating activities for a period of time
- Cam Boot or a Cast
- Orthotics to address the underlying cause of the abnormal foot mechanics
- An exercise and rehabilitation program to improve the function of muscles and ligaments surrounding the location of where the fracture is located.