Stress fractures are small cracks in bone often developing for over doing activities such as distance running or basketball. They usually occur when the length, how often or the level of exertion is increased in a high-impact activity. People who do not exercise can also develop a stress fracture when osteoporosis or other disease has weakened their bones. This is called bone insufficiency and a stress fracture can result from normal day-to-day activities. Other risk factors for stress fractures include doing too much too soon, improper sports equipment, a change in activity surface, poor diet, being overweight, and errors in training or technique.
Except in cases of bone shortage, a stress fracture is an overuse injury. When muscles are overtired, they lose their ability to lessen the shock of repeated impacts. As muscles lose their ability to absorb the shock of the foot hitting the ground, they transfer the stress to bones. Over a period of time, this can create small cracks or fractures in the bone. Those suffering from stress fractures generally feel pain that starts slowly, increases with weight-bearing activity, and diminishes with rest. This pain may become more severe and occur during normal, daily activities. Swelling and bruising may occur on the top of the foot or outside of the ankle. Pain may also occur when the fracture is touched.
To treat a stress fracture rest is the key. It typically takes six to eight weeks for a stress fracture to heal. In addition to rest, normal treatment includes ice and elevation of the foot along with anti-inflammatory medicines. To reduce the stress of foot and ankle, a podiatrist may recommend wearing protective footwear or if severe enough a cast or surgery may be needed. After a stress fracture has healed it is important to resume activity at a slow pace until full muscle strength has returned.