Stress Fractures Part 7

So how do you know if you have a stress fracture? First and foremost, take pain seriously.

If you begin having pain during an activity, stop the activity and see if the pain resolves. If you start the activity again and the pain comes immediately back. Stop! As with any injury, initially you should ice it, elevate it above the level of the heart and rest it for a few days. If the pain is there when you are not doing the activity but putting any weight on the area, then you should see your doctor, particularly if there is any swelling or tenderness in the area.

If the pain goes away and the area feels OK after a couple of days, then try to gently return to your previous activity. If the pain begins again. Stop! You definitely need to be seen by your doctor.

The problem is that sometimes stress fractures don't show up on xray right away and because they are small cracks may not be evident immediately. So if there is a hint of a stress fracture, take it easy, rest the area and if there is pain with activity stop immediately.