Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in sports and are typically caused by overuse. When muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb added shock, the muscle eventually transfers the overload of stress to the bone, causing a tiny crack. A stress fracture is a microfracture, or a tiny crack in the bone.

Studies have shown that female athletes experience more stress fractures than males. Risk factors have been identified that seem to predispose women to greater numbers of stress fractures. These risk factors include increasing the amount or intensity of activity too rapidly, inadequate muscle strength and endurance, poor nutrition, hormonal factors, and low bone mass.

If the stress fracture is not treated and the activity continues the stress fracture will worsen and eventually will completely fracture. Most stress fracture injuries are treated with rest. Through avoidance of the activity that caused the injury or causes pain to the affected area, most stress fractures can heal in six to eight weeks. It is also important to identify and treat the cause of the stress fracture.