Stepping Forward with Confidence

Whether you're a professional athlete or simply enjoy the positive benefits that exercise brings, engaging in physical activity places repetitive stresses on your body, that can lead to unexpected consequences. One such consequence is a stress fracture—an inconspicuous break in a bone caused by the ‘microtrauma’ of continuous activity.

At The Urban Physio, we believe in empowering and educating our clients to understand, prevent, and recover from stress fractures. In this blog, we delve into the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of foot-related stress fractures.

What is a stress fracture and how can they occur?

A stress fracture presents itself through a range of symptoms that, when identified early, can prevent more serious complications from occurring. Symptoms to be mindful of include pain that occurs during and after activity, accompanied by swelling, bruising, or tenderness when applying pressure to the affected area. Additionally, walking may become challenging, and the pain can gradually worsen over time.

Certain activities and behaviours elevate the risk of stress fractures in the foot, such as engaging in high-impact sports like long-distance running and athletics involving repetitive movement, along with increases in workout intensity or duration and overtraining.

Diagnosis and Recovery:

The key to addressing stress fractures lies in early detection and prompt management. Diagnosis typically involves x-ray or MRI imaging to confirm the presence and severity of the fracture. Our experienced physios have a range of techniques and tests to determine the likelihood of a fracture, and our existing relationships with local radiographers mean we can get you in for an X-ray or MRI within a short timeframe.

The recovery timeline varies, with a minimum of 4-6 weeks required for the fracture to heal. The Urban Physio recommends the following approach (subject to your unique circumstances):

• Early Intervention: Identifying warning signs and seeking help from one of our trained and experienced physios can prevent the progression of a stress fracture. Recognising the need for rest and recovery at this stage is paramount.
• Structured Recovery: Once diagnosed, a tailored recovery plan is essential. Interventions may include wearing a moon boot and undertaking periods of partial weight-bearing. Complete bone healing typically occurs within 6-8 weeks, allowing for a gradual return to sport within 8-12 weeks, subject to review and guidance from your physio.

How we can help you

At The Urban Physio, our team of experienced physios play a pivotal role in the comprehensive recovery journey from stress fractures.

We offer:

• Tailored Exercises: Our physios provide personalised exercises tailored to your stage of rehabilitation, promoting healing and prevention of future injuries.
• Muscle Strengthening: Identifying and strengthening muscles that may have contributed to the development of the stress fracture is crucial. Our physios will guide you in strengthening these areas for enhanced stability and future prevention.
• Future Training Plans: We collaborate with you to create a future training plan that accommodates your body's needs, ensuring a balanced approach to prevent recurring stress fractures. We also offer this as a form of prevention (prehabilitation) to avoid such injuries from occurring in the first place.

Understanding stress fractures and their implications is the first step toward a healthy recovery. At The Urban Physio, we are dedicated to supporting individuals through this journey, offering expert guidance and personalised care. Take the proactive step toward a stronger, pain-free future—book your appointment with The Urban Physio NOW. Your body deserves the attention it needs for a vibrant and active lifestyle.