A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, usually in a weight-bearing bone, such as your foot or lower leg. It is often caused by overuse and repetitive force, such as running a long distance or jumping repeatedly. You can also develop stress fractures if your bones are weakened by osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
Stress fractures are frequent among athletes and military recruits. You can also develop stress fractures if you start a new exercise program and push yourself too hard.
Here are some symptoms and risk factors to be aware of when it comes to stress fractures.
Symptoms of Stress Fractures
If you are experiencing a stress fracture, you may initially feel minor pain and tenderness in the area. However, over time, the pain usually worsens. Rest and recovery can help decrease discomfort, although you may still experience some swelling in the area of the stress fracture.
Risk Factors for Developing Stress Fractures
You may be at a higher risk of suffering a stress fracture if:
- You play certain sports. Those involved in basketball, track and field, dance, tennis, or gymnastics.
- You have a higher activity level. Increasing the duration, intensity, or frequency of training sessions, especially from a sedentary lifestyle, increases the risk of stress fractures.
- You have a condition that causes weakened bones. If you have a condition that weakens your bones, such as osteoporosis, you are more likely to suffer stress fractures.
- You are a female. Females who have absent or abnormal menstrual periods are more likely to develop a stress fracture.
- You have experienced previous stress fractures: If you have already had one or more stress fractures, you are more likely to develop additional stress factors.
- You have foot problems: If you have flat feet or high, rigid arches, you are more likely to develop stress fractures. If your footwear is worn, it exacerbates the problem.
- You have or have had an eating disorder or don’t get the proper nutrients your body needs. Those who don’t get enough vitamin D and calcium because of eating disorders or other issues have a higher risk of developing stress fractures.
Where To Find Stress Fracture Treatment in Ogden, UT
To learn more about treating stress fractures in Ogden, UT, schedule a consultation with a doctor at Utah Orthopaedics. Contact our office today at (801) 917-8000 or submit a contact form online.
