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 shinbone, and the bones in the foot. There are typically only a few symptoms associated with stress fractures, including: 

• A generalized area of pain and tenderness when the bone is bearing weight
• 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.

Healing will take much longer if someone with a stress fracture continues to put weight on that bone. If left untreated, the injury could get much worse; therefore, it is extremely important to seek an accurate diagnosis and treatment at the first signs of a stress fracture.

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 sports medicine experts at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics at (559) 256-5200 to schedule an appointment.