Stress Fracture: Heal It With Reliable Physical Therapy

Have you noticed your shin splints are not getting better? Did you start a new exercise program and have pain in your foot that worsens the more you exercise? You may have a stress fracture that needs proper guidance to resolve fully so you can get back to training or doing what you love!

Our physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts at REBOUND PHYSICAL THERAPY. We have extensive experience dealing with injuries, including stress fractures. Although it is possible to experience a stress fracture to any bone, the vast majority occur in bones in the lower extremities.

Weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot are particularly vulnerable and most commonly occur to track and field athletes and military recruits carrying heavy packs over long distances. Osteoporosis is also a risk factor, but anyone can sustain a stress fracture.

Your physical therapists can guide you through rehabilitating a stress fracture and teach you how to prevent future injuries so you can pursue the activities you enjoy most. Call REBOUND PHYSICAL THERAPY today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists!

What is a stress fracture, and how do they happen?

Simply put, stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone. Typically, they result from repetitive forces like repeatedly jumping up and down or running long distances or from abrupt changes to activity/training. Recent research has found that these injuries are often due to overuse, improper training, or multiple health factors that leave you susceptible to this type of injury.

A stress fracture is an injury typically caused by repeated microfractures versus acute damage caused by a specific or single event. Stress fractures injuries can be tricky to identify because early on, the bone undergoes a normal stress reaction from the activity and is mistaken for soreness associated with exercise/activity.

Bone normally undergoes adaptation to strengthen and tolerate similar or more stress in the future. This adaptation is disrupted when exercise/activity is too much or interrupted by poor technique. Over time the bones cannot repair themselves adequately and eventually are overloaded and become microfractures.

When the bone can’t adapt appropriately, or the repeated stress is too great for the bone to handle, the bone will sustain fractures that, if left untreated, can lead to more significant bone injury and significant breaks.

Common risk factors for stress fractures

Stress fractures are associated with abrupt increases in activity or workout programs. Research has demonstrated both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors related to these injuries. The most common risk factors include the following:

Intrinsic factors:

  • Poor physical conditioning
  • Female
  • Hormonal and/or menstruation disorders (low estrogen levels)
  • Poor bone density (i.e., osteopenia or osteoporosis)
  • Reduced muscle mass
  • Genu valgum knees (knock knees)
  • Leg length difference (the shorter leg is more likely to have a stress fracture)

Extrinsic factors:

  • High-impact sports activities like running, jumping, and military training with a heavy pack
  • Abrupt increase in physical activity
  • Irregular or angled running surfaces
  • Improper footwear
  • Running shoes worn out and/or older than six months
  • Vitamin deficiencies (i.e., Vitamin D and calcium)
  • Smoking

Although all these factors are associated with stress fractures, the most common risk factor is an abrupt increase in activity. Females are also associated with a higher incidence of stress fractures. In particular, women with a previous history of stress fractures have the highest risk of another stress fracture.

Most injuries occur to the lower extremity bones, including the foot tarsals and metatarsals, tibia (shin bone), femur, and pelvis. Upper extremity stress fractures are rare but have been reported in gymnasts, weightlifting, and throwing sports. Although rare, some people experience spine stress fractures, typically associated with repeated hyperextension movements.

Regardless of the location, our team of physical therapists can help you recover and prevent future injuries from occurring!

How physical therapy at REBOUND PHYSICAL THERAPY can help

Our physical therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to identify the factors related to your condition, help you resolve your pain, and correct any errors in your training or exercise plan.

Your physical therapists will take a proactive approach by designing a structured exercise program to ensure you get the results you have been looking for and prevent any future episodes!

For example, your physical therapist will guide you through a series of exercises designed to help the injury and return to your pre-injury abilities. We will start with pain management and restoring mobility to the injured area.

Next, we will focus on strengthening your strength and dynamic stability exercises to restore function and prevent injuries. We will also incorporate balance and coordination exercises to stimulate the nervous system and help ensure you avoid damage in the future.

Request an appointment today!

At REBOUND PHYSICAL THERAPY, our physical therapists are experts at treating all types of injuries. Physical therapy will provide the foundation for successful training while reducing future injuries!

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!

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