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.

The sports medicine doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron 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,” Dr. Gary G. Doss, sports medicine doctor at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron says. “If left untreated, the injury could get much worse.”

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, schedule an appointment with one of the doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron by calling (810) 985-4900.