The pain may be sharp, pulsating and excruciating.
On the top of your foot. Along your shin (the front of your calf). Around your ankle or heel.
Low-impact exercises, like yoga, can cause stress fractures too if they use too much repetitive motion. These fractures are more likely to appear in the feet. [9] X Expert Source Kevin Stone, MDBoard Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Expert Interview. 19 November 2020. Stress fractures usually occur in the tibia (shin bone), fibula (lower leg bones), metatarsals (bones of the feet), navicular (bones of the mid foot). They occur less often in the hip bones, pelvis, and sacrum. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
If you have just upped your running mileage dramatically, or recently started a new regimen, then you may be suffering from a stress fracture.
Athletes who overtrain on different surfaces and those who use substandard equipment, like worn out athletic shoes, are at an increased risk for stress fractures.
Osteoporosis weakens the bone and a stress fracture can develop.
Additionally, people with eating disorders have reduced amounts of calcium and vitamin D, nutrients that are necessary for strengthening the bones. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If left untreated for too long, a stress fracture can cause quite a bit of damage.
Since stress fractures might only appear to be a crack in the bone, their extent and severity may not be visible in a routine x-ray. If the x-ray is unsuccessful, further imaging may be necessary.
It is a good idea to stop the activity that caused your stress fracture for 6-8 weeks after your injury. Ask your doctor if calcium or vitamin D supplements can help you as you heal.
