Runner’s Fractures
Runner’s fractures, also known as stress fractures, are uncommon injuries that occur in athletes and active individuals from repetitive trauma such as excessive running. Stress fractures are most often treated non operatively. At The Fracture Clinic, we specialise in the non-operative management of these injuries, providing comprehensive care through our team of healthcare professionals.
What are Runner’s Fractures?
Runner’s fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They commonly occur in the weight-bearing bones of the lower limbs, particularly:
- Metatarsals (long bones in the foot – often the second or third metatarsals)
- Tibia (shin bone)
- Fibula (outer leg bone)
- Calcaneus (heel bone)
- Navicular bone (mid-foot)
Causes
Several factors contribute to the development of runner’s fractures:
- Sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration
- Poor footwear
- Training on hard surfaces
- Inadequate rest between training sessions
- Abnormal foot biomechanics
- Poor running technique
- Low bone density
- Nutritional deficiencies and hormonal issues
- Previous stress fractures
Risk Factors
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing runner’s fractures:
- Long-distance runners
- Military personnel
- Dancers
- People with osteoporosis
- Athletes with eating disorders
- Female athletes (particularly those with irregular menstrual cycles)
- Those with vitamin D deficiency
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Localised pain that worsens with activity
- Pain that improves with rest
- Swelling around the affected area
- Tenderness when touching the site
- Pain that progressively worsens over time
- Night pain in advanced cases
Diagnosis
Stress fractures can be difficult to diagnose on radiology as they can often not appear on plain x-rays and sometimes may not appear on CT scans.
At The Fracture Clinic, we have immediate or efficient access to:
- Detailed clinical examinations which can often approximate the diagnosis
- Immediate X-rays
- Fast CT scans
- Advanced imaging (when required) such as MRI scans or Bone Scans which can diagnose stress fractures when the above methods don’t show the injury
Treatment Options
Non-operative Management (most common for stress fractures):
Our clinic specialises in conservative treatment, offering:
- Initial Management:
- Activity modification and advice on limitations
- Rest from aggravating activities
- Ice therapy
- Appropriate pain relief
- Immobilisation Options:
- Waterproof or removable casting
- Removable boots (most common for foot or leg stress fractures)
- Custom-moulded Exos braces (for the upper limb)
- Specialised removable splints
- Early rehabilitation:
Our physiotherapists provide:
- Early exercise advice before seeing your community physiotherapist
- Return to activity planning
- Load Management:
- Graduated weight-bearing protocols
- Activity modification guidance
- Cross-training recommendations
When Surgery Might Be Needed
While most runner’s fractures heal well with conservative treatment, some cases may require surgical intervention.
Our team will refer you to an appropriate orthopaedic surgeon if:
- The fracture fails to heal with conservative treatment
- There is complete displacement of the fracture
- The fracture occurs in a high-risk area with poor blood supply
- Multiple treatment attempts have failed
- There may be other non-mechanical reasons for a stress fracture such as diet, hormonal issues or other medical conditions may require referral back to your GP for assistance
Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture:
- Minor and recent stress reactions: 4-6 weeks
- Standard stress fractures: 6-8 weeks
- Complex cases: 3-6 months and even longer for chronic cases
- During recovery, our team provides:
- Regular monitoring and radiographs or x-rays
- Progressive activity modification
- Rehabilitation guidance
- Return to sport planning
Prevention Strategies
Our team emphasises prevention through:
- Training Modifications:
- Gradual increase in activity levels
- Appropriate rest periods
- Cross-training programs
- Proper warm-up routines
- Equipment Recommendations:
- Proper footwear selection
- Orthotic devices when needed
- Appropriate training surfaces
- Basic nutritional Guidance:
- Adequate calcium intake
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Balanced diet for bone health
Long-term Management
Our clinic provides ongoing support through:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Progressive rehabilitation programs
- Return to sport guidance
- Prevention strategies
- Monitoring for recurrence
When to Seek Immediate Care
Contact our clinic immediately if you experience:
- Sudden severe pain
- Inability to bear weight
- Visible deformity
- Significant swelling
- Skin changes or bruising
Our Services
The Fracture Clinic offers:
- Rapid access to assessment
- On-site imaging
- Waterproof casting options
- Custom-fitted braces
- Comprehensive rehabilitation
- Regular monitoring
- Direct access to specialist referral when needed
Runner’s fractures require prompt diagnosis and appropriate management for optimal outcomes. At The Fracture Clinic, we provide comprehensive care through our experienced team and state-of-the-art facilities. While most cases can be managed conservatively, we maintain strong relationships with orthopaedic surgeons for cases requiring surgical intervention.For appointments or further information, contact The Fracture Clinic. Our team is committed to providing expert care and guidance throughout your recovery journey.
Remember: Early intervention and appropriate management are key to successful outcomes in treating runner’s fractures.
How can I book an appointment at the Fracture Clinic?
You can call their phone number or make an appointment online via their website. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with multiple health insurance providers. We offer Medicare rebates where applicable and can assist you in understanding your potential coverage. We recommend:
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Checking your specific insurance policy for physiotherapy, or orthopaedic specialist coverage
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Bringing your Medicare card and private health insurance details to your consultation
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Consulting with our team for precise rebate information, especially if you have DVA or WorkCover coverage
We are committed to transparent pricing and we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of potential costs and rebates during your initial consultation. For patients with eligible Medicare, DVA, WorkCover and/or private health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be significantly reduced.
