Stress Fractures

Stress fractures occur when there is repetitive stress to a bone which results in a fracture or crack to the bone. It is not caused by a one off event, but rather through regular stress on the bone. At Rockingham Podiatry the main bones we see which have stress fractures are the 2nd Metatarsal and navicular in the foot, and the tibia and fibula which are the 2 long bones of the lower leg. Stress fractures often occur in active patients, high impact sports like running or aerobics, people returning to exercise, overweight people or people wearing inappropriate footwear for the activity undertaken.

In the early stages there may be a dull ache, normally during activity. Later the pain can increase and be sharp during and after exercise. The area is tender to palpation. There may be local swelling, redness and heat.

Rest is essential. The injury is due to impact, therefore activity is confined to swimming or possibly cycling if pain free. This will help maintain fitness and promote healing. In the early stages ice may be useful in dealing with the inflammation.Addressing poor mechanical influences is essential.

Footwear needs to be checked, running surfaces reviewed and an appropriate training plan introduced.An assessment of the mechanics of the feet and lower limbs is vital. Mal-alignment of the feet and legs may result in poor shock absorption and an inability of the body to deal with the repetitive forces occurring with running.

Orthotics can be useful in correcting poor foot function and the associated inability of the lower limbs to deal with impact and shock absorption. If faulty mechanics are not addressed there is the potential for a re occurrence of the injury when the patient attempts to resume increased levels of activity. When a stress fracture occurs in the foot itself, often specific additions are incorporated into an orthotic device to redistribute the forces in the foot, which are often overloading the bone involved.

Call us at Rockingham Podiatry on  9592 1068  to make an appointment if you are suffering with localised pain or generally painful feet.