If you are an athlete or a relatively active person, you can expect to experience a few minor injuries throughout your lifetime. Things like strains, sprains or jammed fingers are just par for the course when it comes to exercise. But when it comes certain injuries like stress fractures can cause your exercise routine to come to a grinding halt.

Stress fractures require time to heal properly in order to avoid further injury or complications later in life. Check out our latest blog all about stress fractures below and come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson if you are experiencing pain while exercising.

Are Stress Fractures the Same as Regular Fractures?

They are certainly similar, but their origin is different. Regular fractures typically appear after a singular accident or event that causes your bone to give way. Stress fractures also cause a crack in your bone, but they occur over a longer period of time due to overuse or constant strain on the bone.

Stress fractures occur when your bone can no longer support the pressure of a repeated motion, like running. Over time, the bone will begin to form small cracks that can be incredibly painful. If you start to experience pain while exercising, it is important to stop whatever activity you are doing.

Signs of a Stress Injury

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

When Can I Exercise Again After a Stress Fracture?

All injuries and people are different, so it can be hard to say for sure. This is why it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the location and severity of the injury. Come see us any day of the week for an evaluation and X-ray.

Once you fully understand your injury, you can rest and take the time you need in order to heal. It is not uncommon for stress fractures to take up to eight weeks to fully heal, but your personal recovery time may be different. Avoiding activity during this time ensures your fracture doesn’t turn into a full break.

Caring for a Stress Fracture Injury

• Rest and avoid the activity that caused the fracture.
• Ice and elevate the area of injury.
• Compress the injury with a bandage.
• Skip weight-bearing exercises for the time being.

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