What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture occurs when your muscles become fatigued.  They are unable to absorb the added shock and the fatigued muscle transfers the overload of stress to the bone causing a tine crack called a stress fracture.

What causes a stress fracture?

A change, increase or intensity of activity too rapidly can cause a stress fracture.  Stress fractures can also be caused by a change in activity surfaces.  If a runner is use to running on a treadmill and starts running on the pavement to suddenly, a stress fracture can occur. 

What sports are more susceptible to stress fractures?

There are several activities that are more susceptible to stress fractures, tennis, track, basketball, and track.  Repetitive stress of the foot striking the ground can cause trauma.  No matter what sport you are playing you need to rest between workouts.

What are symptoms of a stress fracture?

Pain with activity is the most common complaint of a stress fracture.  The pain typically decreases with rest.

How are stress fractures diagnosed?

The physician will do a physical exam and a medical history of your recent activity changes.  X-rays are commonly used as a form of diagnostic imaging.  Occasionally a computed topography (CT Scan) will need to be ordered.

How are stress fractures treated?

Unfortunately rest from the activity is the most important treatment.  It is usually recommended to rest from the activity for 6-8 weeks to allow for the fracture to heal.  After the period of rest you should resume the activity slowly, to avoid re-injury.