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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment varies depending on the location of the stress fracture and on how quickly you need to resume activity.
Medications
If needed, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to relieve pain. Some research suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others) — can interfere with bone healing.
Therapies
To reduce the bone's weight-bearing load until healing occurs, you may need to wear a walking boot or brace, or use crutches.
In severe cases, the doctor may need to immobilize the affected bone with a splint or cast. Although it's unusual, surgery is sometimes necessary to ensure complete healing of some types of stress fractures, especially those that occur in areas with a poor blood supply.
- 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.
