Stress Fractures

Stress Fractures Overview

Most people are familiar with fractures, which are a partial or total break in a bone. What are stress fractures, though?

Much like the name indicates, a stress fracture occurs when a bone is stressed. Each day, bones in the body wear down a bit as you walk, run, or jump. These bones typically recover when you rest and sleep, but sometimes a bone breaks down faster than the body can restore it, which can lead to a stress fracture.

When you put stress on a bone through repetitive movements or intense activity, a stress fracture can develop, leading to swelling, bruising and eventually, a crack in the bone. Stress fractures often occur in the first weeks after beginning a new type of physical activity or increasing the intensity of activity.

While any bone can be affected by a stress fracture, stress fractures are most common in the weight-bearing bones in the feet and lower legs.

Symptoms of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures often develop slowly, causing a gradual buildup of discomfort over a period of a few weeks or even months. As stress wears down a bone, you may first begin noticing pain for a short time following exercise or sports participation.

Gradually, symptoms will worsen, becoming more disruptive. Symptoms of stress fractures include:

A limp, if the stress fracture affects a bone in the foot or lower leg

Aching at night, while at rest

Discomfort during activities of daily living, such as chores

Discomfort during physical activity

Swelling and bruising

Tenderness in the affected area.

Stress Fracture Treatment

If you are experiencing frequent discomfort with activity, it is important to talk about what you are experiencing with a medical provider. The sports medicine specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order imaging tests to confirm whether you have a bone stress injury like a stress fracture.

Because stress fractures occur when bone breaks down faster than the body can restore it, rest of the affected area is necessary to promote bone healing. As the bone heals, you will be asked to avoid the activity that caused the stress fracture, as well as other activities that put strain on the same bone. In some cases, a walking boot or the use of crutches may be recommended to keep pressure off the injured bone, allowing for healing.

Stress fractures typically heal within a few weeks to a few months. In rare cases, bone stress injuries that take longer to heal may be treated surgically. The best treatment plan for your specific needs will vary based on a number of factors, and our Hattiesburg Clinic sports medicine specialists can individualize your plan based on those needs.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

If you are experiencing pain that may be related to a stress fracture, you need a sports medicine specialist who can offer personalized care to help you heal. That is what you will find with the team at Hattiesburg Clinic, along with a prompt, efficient diagnosis and a treatment plan based on your needs. We will identify the best treatment option to help you heal and also offer guidance on avoiding future bone stress injuries.

Contact Our Specialists Today

If you are an existing patient of one of Hattiesburg Clinic’s sports medicine providers and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please request an appointment through your Iris account. If you are a new patient looking to receive treatment at our clinic, please contact one of our locations below.