Stress Fractures: What Athletes Need to Know

A stress fracture is a common sports-related injury that is caused by repetitive stress or force being placed on a bone. It often occurs in weight-bearing bones, such as the tibia or the bones in the foot.

Symptoms of a stress fracture typically include the following:

• Bruising
• Pain that gets worse over time
• Pain that stops during rest
• Severe pain during exercise or normal activities
• Swelling
• Tenderness to touch

Athletes often get impatient with their injuries and want to return to their activity as soon as possible. However, it’s dangerous and counterproductive to return to play before a stress fracture has had time to heal. This can cause the injury to worsen, and further complications may arise.

If you suspect that you are suffering from a stress fracture, you should make an appointment as soon as possible. Healing will take much longer if you continue to put weight on a bone with a stress fracture. If left untreated, the injury could also get much worse.

The treatment and recovery time of a stress fracture varies and will depend on its severity and location, but a period of rest is almost always required for complete healing.

If you are showing symptoms of a stress fracture or another foot or ankle condition, schedule an appointment with one of our experts at BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine by calling 303.449.2730 or by scheduling an appointment online.