What is a bone stress injury?
Repeated loading can exceed a bone’s ability to adapt, producing a bone stress injury or stress fracture. Pain may begin during exercise and later occur with walking or at rest. Training changes, recovery, nutrition and bone health can be relevant. Early X-rays can appear normal, so a normal initial image does not always exclude the problem.
What an assessment may involve
If a stress fracture is suspected, arrange prompt medical assessment and stop the painful impact activity. A doctor may consider imaging and factors affecting bone health. Bring the diagnosis, scan reports and any weight-bearing restrictions to rehabilitation appointments.
Care and rehabilitation
An osteopath does not manipulate a fracture to heal it. Once medically appropriate, rehabilitation can help plan permitted activity, strength work and a gradual return to loading. The plan must follow the treating doctor’s restrictions; some fracture locations need more protection or specialist management.
Returning to running
Return is based on medical guidance, the injury location and your response. Discuss how to reintroduce training and recovery days, rather than resuming your previous program immediately. Questions about low energy intake, menstrual changes or recurrent stress injuries should also be discussed with your doctor and, where needed, a dietitian.
When to seek medical help
Seek prompt medical assessment for suspected stress fracture. Inability to bear weight, severe pain or major injury needs urgent care. Avoid testing the injury with repeated hopping or running.
Related information
Further reading
General information from Muscle Joint Bone Epping. Your clinician will discuss how it applies to you.