Stress Fractures: What the Athlete Needs to Know

A stress fracture is a common sports injury, often occurring in weight-bearing bones, such as the tibia or the bones in the foot. There are typically only a few symptoms related to stress fractures: either a generalized area of pain and tenderness when the bone is bearing weight, or severe pain during heavy exercise. Darkening or bruising can often be seen on the skin at the site of a stress fracture.

Sports medicine experts at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics say that anyone who suspects they’re suffering from a stress fracture should make an appointment as soon as possible. Treatment and recovery time varies based on the severity and location of a stress fracture, but a period of rest is almost always required for complete healing.

If one of your athletes is showing symptoms of a stress fracture, call one of the orthopedic doctors at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics at (559) 256-5200 to schedule an appointment.