Stress Fractures

Incidence:

Stress fractures account for approximately 10% of all sporting injuries. They commonly occur in bones of the leg and foot including the tibia, navicular, metatarsals and sesamoids.

Symptoms:

Onset is often slow and varied. However, the first signs may be sharp, localised pain in the same area of the stress fracture, with a particular activity. Often rest aleviates pain while activity worsens the condition. Commonly there will be pain in the area at night.

Causes:

Overuse
Poor foor biomechanics
Incorrect footwear
Incorrect training techniques, such as:
- a dramatic increase in training
- a hard running surface
Muscle imbalances
Treatment:

Rest
Correct poor foot biomechanics, possible witht the use of prescribed orthoses
Education on correct training technique
Muscle stretching and strengthening program