Your doctor may also ask you to walk a few steps to determine how the injury affects the way you move. If your symptoms suggest you have a stress fracture, doctors typically recommend imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to create detailed images of bones. Doctors often use X-rays to diagnose fractures, but many early stress fractures are too small to appear on an X-ray. If an X-ray looks normal but symptoms suggest the presence of a stress fracture, your doctor may recommend another imaging test, such as an MRI scan.
This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create two- and three-dimensional images of structures inside the body. A computer combines these images to produce a highly detailed picture of bones and soft tissues such as muscles and tendons.
This technology enables your doctor to identify tiny breaks in a bone. Most of the time, a doctor uses MRI scans to diagnose stress fractures. This test can reveal areas of bone that are being repaired, which usually indicate that an injury such as a stress fracture has occurred. To conduct this test, a doctor injects a small amount of a radioactive substance, called a tracer, into your bloodstream.
Over the course of a few hours, this tracer moves throughout your body and accumulates in spots of significant bone repair. If the tracer accumulates in the bone where you are experiencing pain and other symptoms of a stress fracture, your doctor may diagnose a stress fracture or recommend further testing.
If you cannot have an MRI scan because you have a pacemaker or other implanted device that should not be exposed to a magnetic field, your doctor may order a CT scan to diagnose a stress fracture. Reduce stress on your foot and leg with a stiff-soled shoe, a wooden-soled sandal, or a removable short-leg, fracture brace shoe. Apply a cast u Stress fractures in some bones take longer to heal.
A stress fracture is more likely if there is swelling around the painful area; if stretching temporarily relieves the pain, it could be the result of plantar fasciitis; if squeezing the heel bone between the thumb and fingers on the inside and outside of the heel causes pain, it could be the result of a stress fracture.
If one continues to run despite the pain, it will eventually become unbearable to run or even put any weight on the foot. Diagnosing a stress fracture can be difficult because there is usually no external manifestation of the injury. There may be some swelling, but no bruising.
Swelling can occur anywhere on the injured foot, but it is most likely to be seen on the top portion due to injury to a metatarsal. Changes in biomechanics. Your email address will not be published. Stress fracture signs to watch for Deep aching pain in a limb or joint.
Learn more: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAS , treating acute sports and exercise injuries in the first 24 to 72 hours is one of the most difficult conditions to treat.
An MRI is considered the best way to diagnose stress fractures. It can visualize lower grade stress injuries stress reactions before an X-ray shows changes. This type of test is also better able to distinguish between stress fractures and soft tissue injuries. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references deWeber K. Overview of stress fractures. Accessed June 23, Stress fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. American College of Sports Medicine.
Kellerman RD, et al. Common sports injuries. In: Conn's Current Therapy
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