What Causes Stress Fractures

There is not enough room on the internet to list all the potential causes of emotional stress. Work, relationships, health, and finances are general sources of stress for billions of people. Physical stress—the kind that can lead to fractures—is a little more straightforward. This is what we need to consider when we discuss what causes stress fractures.

Stress fractures are a common sports injury patients experience. As you will see, there are several reasons for this, including:

Forces placed on feet. Whether you are aware of this or not, feet endure a tremendous amount of force, even when simply walking around. Walking places as much as two times your body weight on your feet with every step. Running and landing after jumping lead to even more physical stress.
Fatigued muscles. The muscles in your lower body help shoulder the load, but they are not as able to do so when they are fatigued.
Not enough time for bone tissue regeneration. Bones undergo a continual process of cellular breakdown, reabsorption, and regeneration. This process does take some time. When bones are subjected to force loads before new cells have been regenerated, they are more likely to become fractured.
An unprepared body. If you start performing high-impact activities (like running or jumping on hard surfaces) without giving your body a chance to adapt, you increase the risk of developing a stress fracture in your lower limbs. For this reason, stress fractures can be fairly common amongst military recruits who have not prepared enough before entering boot camp.

Understanding stress fracture causes is a starting point in diagnosing the condition. If you can identify any of them in your recent behaviors or activities, it could be a clue that a stress fracture is the source of the pain you are experiencing. We may need to use diagnostic imaging to confirm your suspicions, but it is helpful to know if you recently started physical activity or run on a frequent basis.

No matter the foot or ankle injury you sustain, our team at Dallas Podiatry Works is ready to help. We provide comprehensive foot care services at our Plano and Dallas offices, so give us a call at 972.853.7100 or use our online form to contact us today!

Your Top-Rated Podiatrist in Dallas & Beyond

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.