Stress fractures are common but may require treatment to avoid complications and relieve pain. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine offers tailored treatments to help you recover from your injury. We welcome men and women in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Inland Empire.
What Is a Stress Fracture?
A stress fracture is a type of bone fracture caused by repetitive or chronic mechanical stress instead of sudden stress, such as a fracture in a car accident. These fractures occur due to overuse and affect athletes, manual laborers, and older adults. This is one of the most common types of sports-related injuries and it happens when a muscle becomes too fatigued to absorb extra shock. Over time, the muscle transfers the stress overload to the bone and causes a tiny crack.
In most cases, stress fractures happen due to increasing the intensity or amount of activity too quickly. They may also occur due to unfamilar equipment, surfaces, or physical stress. About half of all stress fractures happen in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg or foot.
How Much Does it Cost to Treat Stress Fractures in Orange County, CA?
The cost of stress fracture treatment in Los Angeles County and Orange County depends on many factors including the severity and location of the fracture. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine develops tailored treatment plans to help you recover with significant pain relief and improved function. During your initial appointment, we will create this treatment plan and review the cost of your treatment. We gladly accept many forms of insurance in addition to financing through CareCredit®.
What Are the Most Common Stress Fractures?
Athletes in basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and track and field are most vulnerable to stress fractures and they usually happen when the foot strikes the playing surface. Women are more likely to experience stress fractures, although this is usually attributed to factors such as osteoporosis and amenorrhea (or infrequent menstrual cycles more common among athletes).
The most common types of stress fractures include:
- Metatarsal stress fractures in the long bones of the foot connecting the toes to the ankles.
- Navicular stress fractures in the tarsal bone of the ankle above the heel.
- Tibia stress fractures in the larger of the two shin bones of the lower legs.
- Rib stress fractures, usually in the first rib.
- Hip stress fractures to the ball of the hip joint.
What Stress Fracture Treatments Do You Offer in Orange County?
Treating a stress fracture usually begins with conservative measures like rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle strengthening exercises. Surgery is reserved for serious cases that do not heal properly with conservative treatment.
The most common stress fracture is in the tibia. Tibial stress fracture treatment can include the use of protective footwear that reduces stress on the leg and crutches to keep weight off the leg. In some cases, surgery is required. Internal fixation is a fairly common stress fracture shin treatment that can be required, in which case plates or pins are used to hold the ankle and foot bones together to allow the tibia bone to heal. Stress fracture foot treatment can also require internal fixation with metal hardware to help a metatarsal or navicular fracture heal.
If you have suffered a stress fracture due to a sports-related injury, contact us at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine for an effective treatment plan that helps you regain your lost strength and mobility while addressing your pain. We welcome men and women in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California, including the communities of Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, and Downey.
