What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in bone, often the result of overuse. Most of these fractures happen in the weight-bearing bones of your lower limbs and appendages. When your muscles become fatigued due to the repeated stresses that happen with high-impact sports like basketball or long distance running, they do not absorb as much shock as they typically would. This transfers the pressure (stress) to your bones.

Your bone tissue undergoes a perpetual cycle of resorbing and regenerating cells. When it is tasked with handling the extra pressure, it resorbs at a faster rate than it regenerates and this leads to tiny fissures in the tissue. With repeated trauma, these fissures become fractures.

If you feel that you may have fractured one of the bones in your toes, feet, or ankles, contact Southern Oregon Foot & Ankle, L.L.C. Our office is conveniently located in Medford, OR and we will be happy to help. We’ll provide an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan so that you can resume normal activities in a timely fashion. Call us at (541) 776-3338 or use our online form to schedule an appointment today.