What You Need to Know About Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a common sports injury often occurring in weight-bearing bones, such as the tibia and the bones in the foot. There are typically only a few symptoms related to stress fractures: either a generalized area of pain and tenderness when the bone is bearing weight or severe pain during heavy exercise. Darkening or bruising can often be seen on the skin at the site of a stress fracture.

Our sports medicine experts say that anyone who suspects that they’re suffering from a stress fracture should make an appointment as soon as possible because healing will take much longer if someone with a stress fracture continues to put weight on that bone. If left untreated, the injury could get much worse.

Treatment and recovery time varies based on the severity and location of a stress fracture, but a period of rest is almost always required for complete healing.

If you are showing symptoms of a stress fracture, call one of our sports medicine experts at Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center at (605) 341-1414, or click here to schedule an appointment online.