If you are an active person, chances are that you will encounter an injury or two throughout your lifetime. Any time you are participating in physical activity, you are at risk of injury!

While minor sprains and strains are common occurrences, situations like stress fractures need to be addressed right away to prevent a worse situation from developing.

Thankfully, stress fractures are not a complete bone break. That doesn’t mean they aren’t painful, though! Get the facts about stress fractures below from our team at AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Avenue.

How Do You Get a Stress Fracture?

One of the most common ways to develop a stress fracture is through repetitive motion. Activities like jumping or long-distance running can put strain on your bones, and over time, little cracks can appear.

Stress fractures are frequently found in athletes or people who are considered relatively active. Most commonly, they occur in leg bones or foot bones since that is where pressure often lands during activity. It is possible to experience stress fractures if you aren’t an athlete, though. Poor nutrition or having a medical condition like osteoporosis can put you at risk of suffering a stress fracture during everyday activities.

Symptoms Indicating a Stress Fracture

• Pain when exercising
• Tenderness at the site
• Mild swelling and redness
• Pain that gets worse over time

What Can AFC Do for a Stress Fracture?

If you are worried about a possible stress fracture or broken bone, we are here for you! Our team can do a full evaluation and perform a digital X-ray to help diagnose your pain. Once we understand the injury more, we can offer some tips on how to recover smoothly.

While some stress fracture recoveries may benefit from a cast or a splint, the majority will heal over time if you prioritize rest. If you don’t stay off of the affected area and give your body a chance to heal, you certainly are putting yourself at risk of developing a more serious fracture or even a full break. You deserve to rest!

Reduce Your Risk of a Stress Fracture

• Always warm up slowly.
• Eat a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D.
• Stop any activity that is causing you pain.
• Use the right equipment and well-fitting shoes during exercise.

If you suspect a stress fracture or broken bone, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Avenue.