Causes of Stress Fracture

Stress fracture is one the types which cannot be referred to as a complete fractured bone hence it is considered an incomplete injury. It is a result of the overuse or abuse of the bones. The repeated stress on the bones may cause this condition. It takes place near the ankle, legs or wrist.  It occurs commonly in the weight bearing bones. Bones of lower leg and bones of the foot are the major victims of this problem.

As the stress fracture occurs in the weight bearing bone the healing process also takes more time. The duration of the healing process depends upon the location of this medical condition. It also depends on the body’s healing power and the severity of the condition. The process of healing can depend upon the dietary intake of the individual as well.

Stress fracture has limited symptoms. It can be determined by pain and tenderness near the injury site. It may cause a little pain initially but in the long run, the results may be dangerous. Therefore, necessary steps should be taken to prevent the stress injury.

Diagnosis of the stress fractured bone cannot be determined well in an X-ray. So a MRI or CT scan is used to detect it. A three-phase bone scan is another option to find the evidences of the fractured bones.

The scanning result may show a small crack in the bone. It is also called as the hairline fracture. The usual bones which are affected with the stress fracture are tibia and metatarsals.