Stress fracture: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Stress fracture | |||
| image = [[File:Stress_fracture_of_the_second_metatarsal_bone1.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray of a stress fracture of the second metatarsal bone]] | |||
| caption = X-ray of a stress fracture of the second metatarsal bone | |||
| field = [[Orthopedics]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]] in the affected area, [[swelling]], tenderness | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Weeks to months | |||
| causes = Repetitive [[mechanical stress]] | |||
| risks = [[Athletes]], [[military recruits]], [[osteoporosis]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Tendonitis]], [[arthritis]], [[bone tumor]] | |||
| prevention = Gradual increase in activity, proper footwear | |||
| treatment = Rest, [[ice]], [[compression]], [[elevation]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with proper treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in athletes and military recruits | |||
}} | |||
= Stress Fractures = | = Stress Fractures = | ||
'''Stress fractures''' are small breaks or cracks in the bones, typically resulting from repeated pressure or stress on the bone over time. Unlike acute fractures that occur due to a single, severe impact, stress fractures develop gradually as a result of overuse and repetitive force. They are common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot, often affecting athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact sports. | '''Stress fractures''' are small breaks or cracks in the bones, typically resulting from repeated pressure or stress on the bone over time. Unlike acute fractures that occur due to a single, severe impact, stress fractures develop gradually as a result of overuse and repetitive force. They are common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot, often affecting athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact sports. | ||
[[File:X-ray of occult metaphyseal stress fracture of the tibia.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray showing a stress fracture.]] | |||
[[File:X-ray of occult metaphyseal stress fracture of the tibia.jpg|thumb | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Stress fractures are primarily caused by: | Stress fractures are primarily caused by: | ||
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* Impact on hard surfaces | * Impact on hard surfaces | ||
* Poor equipment, such as worn-out shoes | * Poor equipment, such as worn-out shoes | ||
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== Risk Factors == | == Risk Factors == | ||
Factors that increase the risk of stress fractures include: | Factors that increase the risk of stress fractures include: | ||
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* A sudden increase in physical activity intensity or duration | * A sudden increase in physical activity intensity or duration | ||
* Improper footwear | * Improper footwear | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of a stress fracture include: | Symptoms of a stress fracture include: | ||
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* Tenderness to touch at the fracture site | * Tenderness to touch at the fracture site | ||
* Possible bruising | * Possible bruising | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of a stress fracture involves: | Diagnosis of a stress fracture involves: | ||
* Medical history and physical examination | * Medical history and physical examination | ||
* Imaging tests such as X-rays, although early stress fractures may not always be visible. MRI or bone scan may be recommended for a more accurate diagnosis. | * Imaging tests such as X-rays, although early stress fractures may not always be visible. MRI or bone scan may be recommended for a more accurate diagnosis. | ||
[[File:Occult stress fracture of the talus on 1 month follow-up T1 | |||
[[File:Occult stress fracture of the talus on 1 month follow-up T1 | MRI.jpg|left|thumb|Occult stress fracture of the talus on 1 month follow-up T1 | ||
MRI.jpg|thumb|Occult stress fracture of the talus on 1 month follow-up T1 | |||
MRI]] | MRI]] | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The primary treatment for stress fractures is rest and avoidance of the activity that caused the injury. Additional treatments include: | The primary treatment for stress fractures is rest and avoidance of the activity that caused the injury. Additional treatments include: | ||
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* Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles | * Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles | ||
* Gradual return to activity following a period of rest | * Gradual return to activity following a period of rest | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies for stress fractures include: | Prevention strategies for stress fractures include: | ||
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* Cross-training to avoid repetitive stress on one area of the body | * Cross-training to avoid repetitive stress on one area of the body | ||
* Ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly calcium and vitamin D intake | * Ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly calcium and vitamin D intake | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Bone fracture]] | * [[Bone fracture]] | ||
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* [[Sports medicine]] | * [[Sports medicine]] | ||
* [[Physical therapy]] | * [[Physical therapy]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). ''Stress Fractures.'' | * American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). ''Stress Fractures.'' | ||
* National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020). ''Stress Fractures.'' | * National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020). ''Stress Fractures.'' | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/stress-fractures/ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stress Fractures] | * [https://www.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/stress-fractures/ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stress Fractures] | ||
* [https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/stress-fractures National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Stress Fractures] | * [https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/stress-fractures National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Stress Fractures] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic disorders]] | [[Category:Orthopedic disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Sports injuries]] | [[Category:Sports injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Bone fractures]] | [[Category:Bone fractures]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:21, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Stress fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain in the affected area, swelling, tenderness |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Repetitive mechanical stress |
| Risks | Athletes, military recruits, osteoporosis |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Tendonitis, arthritis, bone tumor |
| Prevention | Gradual increase in activity, proper footwear |
| Treatment | Rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with proper treatment |
| Frequency | Common in athletes and military recruits |
| Deaths | N/A |
Stress Fractures[edit]
Stress fractures are small breaks or cracks in the bones, typically resulting from repeated pressure or stress on the bone over time. Unlike acute fractures that occur due to a single, severe impact, stress fractures develop gradually as a result of overuse and repetitive force. They are common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot, often affecting athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact sports.

Causes[edit]
Stress fractures are primarily caused by:
- Repetitive activity
- Increased physical activity without proper conditioning
- Impact on hard surfaces
- Poor equipment, such as worn-out shoes
Risk Factors[edit]
Factors that increase the risk of stress fractures include:
- Participation in high-impact sports like running, basketball, and gymnastics
- Conditions such as osteoporosis that weaken bones
- A sudden increase in physical activity intensity or duration
- Improper footwear
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of a stress fracture include:
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Swelling at the site of the fracture
- Tenderness to touch at the fracture site
- Possible bruising
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a stress fracture involves:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, although early stress fractures may not always be visible. MRI or bone scan may be recommended for a more accurate diagnosis.
[[File:Occult stress fracture of the talus on 1 month follow-up T1 MRI.jpg|left|thumb|Occult stress fracture of the talus on 1 month follow-up T1 MRI]]
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for stress fractures is rest and avoidance of the activity that caused the injury. Additional treatments include:
- Protective footwear or braces
- Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
- Gradual return to activity following a period of rest
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies for stress fractures include:
- Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of physical activity
- Using appropriate and well-fitting footwear
- Cross-training to avoid repetitive stress on one area of the body
- Ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly calcium and vitamin D intake
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Stress Fractures.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020). Stress Fractures.



