Stress fracture

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Stress fractures (also called fatigue or insufficiency fractures) occur most frequently as a result of repeated loading of the skeleton over a long period of time and are probably preceded by periostitis. About 20-25 per cent of stress fractures occur in the fibula, the tibia and metatarsal bones. The calcaneus, navicula, femur, humerus, pelvis and vertebrae are affected less frequently.

When a stress fracture occurs, the athlete should:

• Rest for 4-8 weeks until the pain has resolved and healing can be seen on an X-ray.

The doctor may:

• Apply a plaster cast for 2-6 weeks if pain is severe or if the fracture is in the tibia.
• Prescribe crutches to relieve the injured part;
• Check the progress of healing by X-ray examinations

If after trying the above your stress fracture isn't improving, you are still in pain, it is restricting your movement or generally affecting your quality of life, please feel free to get in touch for a no obligation consultation at our sports injury clinic in Hull.

Patients GP should always be consulted to rule out any underlying medical condition.