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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have a stress fracture, you may experience:
- Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest
- Pain that occurs earlier in your workout in each successive workout
- Pain that increases over time
- Pain that persists even at rest
- Swelling
- A specific spot on the involved bone that feels tender or painful to the touch
At first, stress fractures may be barely noticeable. But pay attention to the pain. Proper self-care and treatment can keep the stress fracture from worsening.
When to see a doctor
Stress fractures aren't always obvious. They develop over time, so it's difficult to tell exactly when they start to require a doctor's care. Go to your doctor if running or playing hurts your foot or leg even after you've stopped the provoking activity and given yourself time to rest.
- Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00379&return_link=0. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
- Killie H, et al. Overview of stress fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
- Zetaruk M, et al. Leg injuries. In: Frontera WR. Clinical Sports Medicine Management and Rehabilitation. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/110217197-3/0/1717/1.html?tocnode=55568581&fromURL=1.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Fields KB, et al. Stress fractures of the tibia and fibula. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
- Clugston JR, et al. Stress fractures of the metatarsal shaft. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
