Stress fracture

Stress fractures are a common injury, particularly among athletes and active individuals, but they can affect anyone who suddenly increases their physical activity. This blog will explore what stress fractures are, their anatomy, symptoms, causes, and treatment options, emphasising the importance of consulting a physiotherapist for proper care and recovery.

What is a Stress Fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone. Unlike acute fractures caused by a single traumatic event, stress fractures result from repetitive strain and overuse. The condition develops gradually when bones are subjected to repeated force without adequate recovery time. This overuse injury can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to severe pain and prolonged recovery.  

Anatomy of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures typically occur in weight-bearing bones such as the tibia (shinbone), metatarsals (foot bones), and femur (thighbone). These bones are constantly subjected to impact forces from activities like running, jumping, or even walking for extended periods. Bone is a dynamic tissue that constantly remodels itself through processes of breakdown and rebuilding. However, when bones experience repeated strain faster than they can heal, micro-cracks can develop, resulting in a stress fracture. 

Muscle fatigue also plays a crucial role in stress fractures. When muscles become tired and less effective at absorbing shock, they transfer excess force to the bone. Over time, this can lead to a bone stress injury or a fracture.

Symptoms of Stress Fractures

The symptoms of stress fractures can vary in intensity depending on how severe the injury is. Common signs include:

• Pain: A localised pain in a specific area of the bone, often worsening with physical activity.
• Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to touch.
• Swelling: Mild swelling or bruising around the site of the fracture.
• Limping: In severe cases, stress fractures can cause limping or difficulty in weight-bearing activities like walking or running.
• Night Pain: Persistent aches, particularly at night, are also common when the injury is left untreated.

In the early stages, pain may be mild and only appear during or after exercise, but as the fracture worsens, pain can become constant and more intense.

Causes of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are typically caused by repetitive overload to the bones, but several risk factors increase their likelihood:

• Sudden Increase in Activity: Starting a new workout routine, sports season, or increasing intensity without proper preparation.
• Biomechanics: Improper running form, high foot arches, or poor alignment can lead to increased stress on certain bones.
• Muscle Fatigue: Overworked muscles fail to absorb shock, transferring stress to the bones.
• Inadequate Footwear: Worn-out or improper footwear can fail to provide adequate support.
• Low Bone Density: Conditions like osteoporosis or poor nutrition (including vitamin D deficiency) can weaken bones and make them more susceptible to fractures.

Treatment of Stress Fractures

Treating a stress fracture involves a combination of rest, rehabilitation, and in some cases, medical intervention. It is critical to seek professional advice from a physiotherapist to ensure a proper recovery and prevent long-term damage.

1. Rest: The most important aspect of recovery is resting from the activity that caused the injury. This may involve modifying or avoiding certain exercises.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling.
3. Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist will help you develop a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength, flexibility, and proper biomechanics. This can include:

• Strengthening exercises to support the muscles and reduce load on the bone.
• Stretching routines to improve flexibility.
• Gait analysis and retraining to correct any biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the injury.

4. Footwear Evaluation: A physiotherapist can help assess your footwear and recommend proper shoes or orthotics to support the healing process and prevent future injuries.
5. Cross-Training: Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness without stressing the injury.

In more severe cases, medical treatment such as wearing a boot or using crutches may be required to offload pressure from the bone. Surgery is rarely needed, but it may be considered for fractures in high-risk areas or those that fail to heal.

Conclusion

Stress fractures are an overuse injury that can significantly impact your quality of life if not addressed early. Rest, recovery, and proper rehabilitation are essential to heal effectively. If you suspect you have a stress fracture, seeking help from a physiotherapist is crucial. A trained physiotherapist will assess your injury, guide you through rehabilitation, and provide strategies to prevent recurrence. Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable – contact Ground Up Physio or book online. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery! 

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Ground Up Physiotherapy is located in the Canterbury-Bankstown region, a few minutes drive from the M5 at Kingsgrove.

Plenty of street parking is available as well as underground carpakr.