A stress fracture, or stress fracture, occurs in a bone when it is under too much stress. It is usually repeated and intense movements that are the cause of this type of fracture. The bone weakens. Small cracks start to appear.

Definition of stress fracture

Stress fracture is also called a stress fracture. It can be defined as an incomplete bone fracture due to too much and / or repeated stress. It results in cracks in the bone.

The stress fracture is thus a very specific type of fracture. It is not related to an injury caused by a fall or a blow. Stress fracture is the result of heavy and unusual pressure on the bone.

Locations of the stress fracture

Stress fracture generally concerns the bones supporting the weight of the body, the latter being subjected to significant and almost permanent stress. 

This is why stress fractures mainly occur in the lower limbs. The vast majority of these fractures involve the lower leg. We thus distinguish:

• tibia stress fracture, one of the most common;
• stress fracture of the foot, which may be a heel stress fracture or involve the metatarsal;
• knee stress fracture;
• stress fracture of the femur;
• fibula fatigue fracture;
• the stress fracture of the pelvis, or pelvis.

Causes of stress fracture

A stress fracture, or stress fracture, occurs when the pressure applied to the bones becomes too much and / or repeated. The support structures, such as tendons, no longer manage to absorb and cushion shocks. The bones weaken and small cracks gradually appear.

Normally, bones are able to adapt to physical activity. They are remodeled regularly to be able to more easily withstand the increasing loads. This remodeling consists of resorption or destruction of bone tissue, followed by reconstruction. However, when the intensity or amount of physical activity changes too suddenly, the bones are under unusual force. Bone tissue remodeling is affected and tends to increase stress fractures.

Diagnosis of stress fracture

The diagnosis of a stress fracture is based on:

• a clinical examination by a healthcare professional;
• medical imaging tests such as an x-ray, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

People affected by stress fracture

One of the most common injuries in sports is stress fracture. It therefore particularly concerns athletes and athletes. It can appear during the practice of a regular physical activity but can also occur during the too sudden resumption of a sport. This is one of the reasons why it is advisable to resume physical activity gradually.

A stress fracture can also occur outside of sports. Any intense and / or repeated physical exertion can be the cause of bone cracks.

Stress fractures mainly affect adults. They are rarer in children and adolescents because their bones are more elastic and their growth cartilage absorbs most of the physical stress. 

Risk factors for stress fracture

Several factors can promote this type of fracture:

• the practice of certain sports such as athletics, basketball, tennis, or even gymnastics;
• the sudden increase in the duration, intensity and frequency of physical exertion;
• a lack of nutrients, especially a deficiency in calcium and vitamin D;
• the presence of bone disorders such as osteoporosis;
• certain peculiarities of the foot such as a very arched or, conversely, non-existent arch;
• poor equipment such as athletic shoes with insufficient cushioning;
• previous stress fractures.

• Pain on exertion: a sharp, localized pain occurs in the area of ​​the fracture. This painful reaction is exacerbated during movement and then subsides, or even disappears with rest.
• Possible swelling: in some cases the affected area may swell / swell.

The treatment of a stress fracture relies primarily on rest to allow time for the bone to rebuild. It is necessary to limit the movements and the pressure applied to the affected area. The use of crutches or supportive shoes / boots can facilitate and speed up recovery.

If the situation requires it, surgery may be considered. However, surgery is rare in the event of a stress fracture.

Several tips can help prevent a fatigue bill:

• gradually and slowly increase physical activity;
• do not neglect the warm-up before practicing a sport;
• stretch properly after the training session;
• have equipment adapted to the expected effort;
• maintain a varied and balanced diet that can cover the body’s needs during physical exertion.