Stress Fracture(Fracture, Stress)
by
Carrie Myers Smith DefinitionA stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone from chronic overuse. Most stress fractures occur in the lower leg and foot. They can also occur in the hip and other areas.
Causes TOPA blow to the bone does not cause a stress fracture. Rather, it is typically caused by repeated stress or overuse. Some causes are:
Stress fractures can worsen by continued physical stress. Smoking can also make stress fractures worse because it interferes with bone healing. Risk Factors TOPStress fractures are more common in women. Other factors that may increase the chance of a stress fracture include:
Symptoms TOPA stress fracture may cause:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. The injured area will be examined for localized pain and swelling. Imaging tests to evaluate your bones include: Treatment TOPTreatment includes: MedicationsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain, but controversy exists about their use for stress fractures. It is possible that NSAIDs adversely affect stress fracture healing. RestRest is important for a stress fracture. Activities will need to be adjusted during recovery. This includes avoiding the activity that caused the fracture and any other activities that cause pain. Rest time required is at least 6-8 weeks. Shoe Inserts or Braces TOPShock absorbing shoe inserts and pneumatic braces may provide comfort and quicken recovery. Crutches or a Cane TOPCrutches or a walking cane may be needed to keep pressure off the leg. Prevention TOPTo help reduce your chance of a stress fracture:
RESOURCES:American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org References:
Femoral stress fracture. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated March 20, 2017. Accessed September 1, 2017.
Marx RG, Saint-Phard D, Callahan LR, Chu J, Hannafin JA. Stress fracture sites related to underlying bone health in athletic females.
Clin J Sport Med. 2001;11:73-76. Patel DS, Roth M, Kapil N. Stress fractures: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Am Fam Physician. 2011;83(1):39-46. Sanderlin BW, Raspa RF. Common stress fractures.
Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(8):1527-1532. Stress fractures. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 2007. Accessed September 1, 2017.
Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated March 20, 2017. Accessed September 1, 2017.
Tibial plateau fracture. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated December 22, 2015. Accessed September 1, 2017.
Tenforde AS, Sayres LC, Sainani KL, Fredericson M. Evaluating the relationship of calcium and vitamin D in the prevention of stress fracture injuries in the young athlete: A review of the literature. PM R. 2010;2:945-949. Rome K, Handoll HHG, Ashford RL. Interventions for preventing and treating stress fractures and stress reactions of bone of the lower limbs in young adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;2:CD000450. Wells CL.
Women, Sport & Performance: A Physiological Perspective. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 1991. Wheeler P, Batt ME. Do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs adversely affect stress fracture healing? A short review.
Br J Sports Med.
2005;39:65-69. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 9/30/2013 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |