Bone Problems - Stress Fractures

Symptoms: Strong pulling at connection points, repeated impact or twisting stress will sometimes produce a crack or break in the surface or cortex of the tibia bone itself. This happens slowly and does not produce a sudden pain, although there is often throbbing pain. There may be inflammation. The best way to diagnose a stress fracture is by squeezing the heel from side to side, which produces pain. Stress fractures hurt more the farther you run. If pain remains after running, or there is numbness or tingling on the top of the foot, there is a serious medical problem. Treatment: Stress fractures appear on X-rays about 4-6 weeks after occurrence and last about 6 weeks. See your doctor (usually an orthopedist), who may cast the leg to keep you from overstressing the area. Try to determine what caused the fracture and consider highly cushioned shoes (such as air soles) or orthotics.