A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone that’s caused by overuse, like running for a long period, but it can also develop from normal use if a bone has been weakened by a condition like osteoporosis. A stress fracture may heal on its own if the person reduces their level of activity, but the fracture may not heal properly on its own, which can cause chronic problems like chronic pain or put the person at risk of developing other stress fractures. Also, a stress fracture can worsen, becoming a bigger problem and possibly one requiring surgery. Professional treatment is definitely a good idea if you have or believe you may have a stress fracture.

You should go see a doctor about a stress fracture if your pain becomes severe or if you feel pain even while resting. Really, you should see a doctor anyways and ask about wearing a walking boot, wearing a brace, or using crutches until you heal, which can help speed up your healing. This may be the fastest way to heal from a stress fracture. You can also apply ice to the affected area to help control symptoms. Also, avoid activities that might aggravate the condition.

There are some rare instances when surgery is necessary to ensure a stress fracture heals completely. Actually, surgery may be the best option for a serious athlete who wants to get back to their activity or sport right away, or for a laborer whose work requires using the injured body part. In most cases of stress fractures, though, surgery isn’t at all necessary.

With nonsurgical treatment (but still professional treatment), it will usually take about six to eight weeks for the stress fracture to heal up. During this period, you’ll have to avoid activities that place stress on the affected body part, and this includes low impact physical activity (unless you have a doctor’s approval to do it). Keep wearing your protective footwear/brace/cast, or using your crutches. If you can do these things, your stress fracture will likely heal up quickly and without complications! Some stress fractures can take a while longer to heal, but it’s important to be patient. Patience will allow you to avoid worse stress fractures and longer downtime!

Contact us here at The Orthopedic Group if you want to learn more about stress fractures and treatment.

The Orthopedic Group provides stress fracture treatment and has multiple locations in Leesburg, Lansdowne, and Stone Springs. Please see our Locations page for the clinic location nearest you, its address, and its phone number, then give us a call at that location if you believe you should see a specialist. You can book a consultation with us from that page. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Dulles, VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, and Chantilly VA.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you think you have a stress fracture or if you aren’t sure. There’s a lot one of our trained orthopedists can do for you. We look forward to seeing you!