Understanding is the first step to gaining an upper hand
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops due to overuse or repetitive activity. In the lower leg, stress fractures often occur in the weight-bearing bones, the tibia and fibula.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include severe pain that doesn't go away when you rest or take pain medication, tightness in the muscles, numbness, tingling, and a decrease in motor function.
Specialist
An orthopedic surgeon or a sports medicine specialist would be the best to consult about this condition.
Diagnostics
Stress fractures are small cracks or severe bruising within a bone, often caused by overuse and repetitive activity, such as running or jumping. They are common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. Here are some tests that could be used to diagnose stress fractures:
Physical Examination: The doctor will begin with a physical examination, during which they will apply pressure to the area to check for tenderness or swelling.
X-rays: These are often the first imaging tests to be done. However, stress fractures often don't appear on regular X-rays until a few weeks after the pain starts, or they might not appear at all because they are so small. Even if the X-ray looks normal, if clinical suspicion is high, other tests may be ordered.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This is the most sensitive and specific imaging test for diagnosing stress fractures. It can visualize bone and soft tissues, making it helpful in diagnosing early stress injuries. It can show stress fractures within a few days of the onset of symptoms.
Bone Scan: In this nuclear imaging technique, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream, which collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner. This technique can show stress fractures within a few days of symptoms starting. However, it is less specific than an MRI because it can show other bone conditions as well.
Ultrasound: This imaging technique can also be used in some cases, especially for stress fractures in superficial bones like the tibia (shin bone) or metatarsals (foot bones).
Each of these tests has strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which tests to use will depend on the specific situation. Therefore, a healthcare provider should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if a stress fracture is suspected.
Treatments
The primary treatment for a stress fracture is rest from the activity that caused the injury. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications. In some cases, a brace or boot may be recommended to immobilize the area. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary if the fracture doesn’t heal properly with conservative measures.
Consider
Diagnosis should involve orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and sometimes vascular surgeons, as it is crucial to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Click here for more information.
Questions
When consulting with your physician about your pain, diagnosis and treatment path, asking questions is an important element of making an informed decision. Click here for some suggested questions.
Information
The information of this site is limited and intended to provide an overview of the chronic exertional lower leg conditions which can cause pain and functional limitations. Click here for more information on stress fractures.