Do I Have Stress Fractures?

Have you recently increased your physical activity?

Do you take vitamin D and calcium supplements?

Have you broken bones in the past?

Do you have a diagnosis of osteoporosis?

Do you have tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone?

Do you have swelling on the top of the foot or on the outside of the ankle?

Do you have pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest?

Do you have pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended?

Do you have pain which occurs while at rest, during normal activity or with everyday walking?

Does the pain increases when you stand or hop on one leg?

Do you have pain when you try to shift weight on affected leg or foot?

Do you have bruises at the site of the fracture?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone, which are usually caused by overuse and repetitive activity, such as running long distances or playing sports like soccer and basketball. Stress fractures commonly affect the weight-bearing bones of the foot and the lower leg. Stress fractures are often caused by a sudden increase in physical activity. They can occur in people who change the way they exercise, introducing some new exercises, or in those who change the intensity of training. In addition, stress fractures can occur during daily activities in people with osteoporosis (weakened bones).

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have stress fractures. Stress fractures are usually an overuse injury. Stress fractures refer to small cracks in the bones that are caused by repeated force or a sudden increase in the amount or intensity of an activity. Stress fractures commonly affect the second and third metatarsals in your foot. The bones are constantly renewed in a process called remodeling - new bone tissue develops, replacing the old one. In people who are too active, the movements are repeated so often that the bones do not have enough time to regenerate, so that small, microscopic fractures occur.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone, which are commonly caused by overuse. They usually occur in the shin bone (tibia) and foot. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and imaging tests including X-rays, a bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment involves taking a break from the activity that caused the stress fracture. It takes between 6 to 8 weeks for a stress fracture to heal. If a person continues with activities, more serious fractures can develop, as well as improper bone healing.