Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is a type of bone injury in the foot where tiny cracks develop in the bone.
UNDERSTANDING STRESS FRACTURES
Overview
This usually happens due to repetitive stress on the foot from activities like jumping or long-distance running. These fractures are sometimes called “march fractures” because they frequently occur in military personnel who engage in lots of running, jumping, and other high-impact activities.
Unlike regular fractures, which result from a single traumatic event, stress fractures develop over time due to repeated stress. They can occur in various parts of the lower limbs, with common areas including the second and third metatarsals, the heel, and the fibula.
What causes stress fractures?
Stress fractures are most commonly caused by a sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of physical activity, or by doing too much too soon. Our bones are always renewing themselves through a process called remodeling. When we don’t get enough rest or push our bodies too hard, the stress from these activities can overwhelm the bone’s ability to repair and replace itself. This leads to the bone becoming weakened and more susceptible to stress fractures.
Female Athlete Triad
Research indicates that women may be more prone to developing stress fractures. A growing concern is the Women’s Athletic Triad, which involves three key factors:
Energy levels
Bone density
Menstrual health
When women don’t get enough calories due to changes in diet or eating disorders, it can affect their bone health and menstrual cycles. This lack of energy can contribute to stress fractures. These issues are important to consider for a correct diagnosis and to understand the overall impact on health.
What are the Symptoms?
The main symptom of a stress fracture is pain that occurs during activity, which typically starts in one specific area and stops when you stop moving. Other signs include swelling on the top of the foot or outside of the ankle, tenderness when touched, and bruising.
Who is at risk?
March fractures, or stress fractures, often happen when you suddenly increase your physical activity, like starting a new workout or training for a marathon. They’re common among people who take up intense exercise routines.
Worn-out or poorly supportive shoes, as well as issues like hypermobility or tendonitis, can make your feet less able to handle the repeated impact from activities, leading to stress fractures.
These fractures are very painful, especially when putting weight on the affected foot, and may be swollen and bruised. People with bone conditions like osteoporosis, those on extreme diets, or who have low vitamin D levels are at higher risk because their bones are less dense.
Women with the Female Athlete Triad are also more prone to stress fractures and should consult a podiatrist if they experience any pain or discomfort, as their bodies are more vulnerable to these injuries.
How is a stress fracture diagnosed?
To diagnose a stress fracture, your doctor will start by asking about your medical history, including lifestyle choices and any past health issues that might increase your risk. They will then do a physical exam to find the exact spot where you’re feeling pain and check for any damage.
After locating the problem area, the doctor might use an ultrasound to look inside and check for swelling or damage around the bone. Sometimes, they may also use X-rays to get detailed images of the bone to see if there’s any callus formation or breaks, which can indicate a stress fracture.
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