Stress Fracture
What are the treatments for the injury?
A person who has a stress fracture needs to rest the affected area until the bone heals. This can take up to three months in some cases. Other common treatments for stress fractures include:
ice packs, applied for several days or until the pain disappears
anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
avoiding activity that puts stress on the affected areas. An exercise that is not weight-bearing, like swimming, can be substituted for jogging.
using special shoes or shoe inserts after the fracture heals. A person may also want to alter activity to reduce injury. For example, it can be helpful to jog on a softer surface like grass, instead of cement.
In rare cases, a splint or cast may be needed temporarily. Surgery may be needed for fractures that do not heal, or heal the wrong way.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Aspirin or NSAIDs can cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or kidney damage. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia. A cast or splint may irritate the skin.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
Stress fractures usually heal with proper treatment, but can sometimes recur. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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