What is a Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures are one of the injuries seen in bones due to repetitive physical activities. Stress fractures; Fractures that occur as a result of exposure of the bones involved to a force greater than their potential. In addition to the arms and legs, it is also frequently seen in the spine and rib bones.

Stress fractures are examined in two different groups as insufficiency and fatigue fractures. Fractures with healthy bones as a result of overload are called fatigue fractures, while fractures in bones with reduced resistance are defined as insufficiency fractures. As a result of the researches, the most common area of ​​stress fractures is the metatarsal bones.

What Causes a Stress Fracture?

The bones in our body where the body weight exerts the most force are the leg and foot bones. Especially during running, jumping or going up and down the stairs, repetitive force is applied to the bones in this region, which are in contact with the ground. Apart from this, the possibility of damage and injury to the bone structure increases as the force applied to the bones increases in obese people with a body weight higher than normal, those carrying heavy loads or those engaged in sports activities.

Causes of stress fracture formation;

• Extreme sports
• Strain
• As a result of repetition of wrong movements, the muscles are disabled and the load is placed on the bones.
• Wearing shoes that are not suitable for the foot structure
• Wearing high heels
• Osteoporosis
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Menopause

What Are the Symptoms of a Stress Fracture?

• Pain on touching the affected area
• Swelling and bruising may occur in the affected area
• The pain develops gradually and goes away with rest.
• In advanced cases, it may not go away with rest.
• The pain may be exacerbated at night.

How is Stress Fracture Diagnosed?

A detailed physical examination and X-ray evaluation are needed in the diagnosis of stress fractures. At the same time, bone density measurements are applied as well as applications such as computed tomography and MR.

Stress Fracture Treatment

First of all, if a stress fracture is suspected, it should be rested and the activity should be stopped. Ice should be applied to the sensitive area during the day and activities that will cause pain should be avoided. Painkillers given by the doctor can be used because they reduce pain and swelling. Plaster treatment can be applied. If the patient does not respond to non-surgical methods, surgical methods can also be applied.