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PATHOLOGIES
FRACTURES AND TRAUMA
Stress Fractures
What is it?
Stress fractures are small breaks in the bone caused by repetitive loading rather than a single traumatic event. They are common in athletes, runners, and military recruits but can occur in anyone with a sudden increase in activity. The foot and ankle are frequent sites — especially the metatarsals, navicular, and fibula.
CAUSES
- Sudden increase in training intensity or duration
- Poor footwear or hard training surfaces
- Nutritional deficiencies or low bone density
- Biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches
SYMPTOMS
- Gradual onset of localised pain and swelling
- Pain that worsens with weight-bearing and improves with rest
- Tenderness over a specific bone or region
DIAGNOSIS
Clinical suspicion is key. X-rays may be normal early on; MRI or bone scans are more sensitive and can confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
- Initial management: rest, protective footwear or boot, activity modification
- Rehabilitation: gradual return to activity guided by pain and imaging
- Surgical options: occasionally needed for high-risk sites (e.g. navicular, 5th metatarsal base) where healing can be slow or incomplete
