FOOT AND ANKLE ASSOCIATES

15100 Los Gatos Blvd, #4 | Los Gatos, CA 95032
P: 408-358-6234 | info@sjfeet.com | www.sjfeet.com

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Stress Fractures

One of the commonest of sports injuries that podiatrists have to deal with are stress fractures. Stress fractures are caused because of overuse of muscles which have reached the point of fatigue where they are no longer able to sustain further shock. At this point the stress overload is transferred by the fatigued muscle to the bone, causing a tiny crack which is known as a stress fracture. Stress fractures could result from a number of causes, the most common being a too rapid increase in the amount or intensity of an exercise or impact on an unaccustomed surface, or unsuitable equipment like footwear. They occur most often in the load bearing bones of the foot and lower leg. Understandably, athletes are most susceptible to stress fractures.

The primary symptom is pain with activity which subsides after a period of rest. Stress fractures are best diagnosed by a podiatrist or healthcare provider, generally with the aid of an X-Ray. Sometimes the stress fracture becomes visible on an X-Ray long after the first symptoms of pain begin to appear. In such cases a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Topography (CT) scan might be required.

The best treatment is rest for between six and eight weeks which is the healing time needed for most stress fractures. Other accessories like shoe inserts and braces might assist in the healing process.

Foot and Ankle Associates, a full service podiatric clinic in Los Gatos treats stress fractures as well as all other conditions of the foot, ankle and lower leg. The clinic believes in prevention and advises its patients accordingly. To know more of the range of services log on to www.sjfeet.com

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