Fibula Stress Fracture
A stress fracture of the fibula is a small fracture or hairline crack in the bone.
It is not as common as a stress fracture of the tibia because the fibula is not used in load bearing in the same way.
Symptoms of a Stress Fracture to the Fibula?
- Pain and local tenderness at a point on the fibula.
- Pain on weight bearing although this is not as painful as a stress fracture of the tibia.
Causes
- Muscles traction and twisting forces placed on the bone from the surrounding muscles is usually the cause.
- Athletes with excessive pronation (rolling in) of the feet when running will get it more common because the personnel muscles must work harder for longer during toe-off in the running gait cycle.
Treatment
What can the athlete do to help a stress fracture to the fibula?
- Rest from training and competition until the local bone tenderness is gone.
- Return to training very gradually.
- Stretch the muscles of the lower leg.
- Wear a heat retainer or ankle support to support the muscles of the lower leg.
What can the sports injury therapist do?
- Apply sports massage techniques to the muscles of the lower leg.
- Advise on a gradual return to sport.
