A fibula stress fracture refers to a small fracture or hairline crack in the bone. It is less frequent compared to a stress fracture of the tibia.
Symptoms of a fibula stress fracture
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the calf area with local tenderness at a point on the fibula
- Pain develops gradually over time, rather than from a specific injury event
- Lower leg pain occurs during weight-bearing, but it is less intense compared to a tibia stress fracture
- The pain may ease off after a period of rest but get gradually worse with exercise
What is a fibula stress fracture?
A stress fracture of the fibula refers to a hairline fracture in the fibula bone. In the lower leg, the tibia and fibula are long bones. The fibula primarily serves as an attachment point for several muscles in the lower leg.
While the tibia bears more weight and is thicker, the fibula is predominantly involved in muscle attachment. Consequently, the surrounding muscles exert traction and twisting forces on the fibula bone, gradually leading to a stress fracture.
What causes a Fibula stress fracture?
Fibula stress fractures predominantly occur due to overuse, though various factors can heighten risk.
Key points include:
- Athletes with excessive pronation, characterized by inward foot rolling during running, are more prone. This action amplifies strain on peroneal muscles during the toe-off phase in the running cycle.
- Excessive pronation causes foot arch flattening, initiating inward rolling of the ankle, lower leg, and knee. Inefficient load handling by foot bones results, placing extra stress on lower leg muscles, many connecting to the fibula bone.
- Overpronation and other biomechanical foot dysfunctions can be rectified with orthotic shoe inserts. These inserts manage heel position and reestablish normal foot biomechanics.
Treatment
Fibula Stress Fracture Treatment:
Rest: Minimum 6-week rest from training or competition, or until bone tenderness ceases, is crucial. Avoid calf muscle-exerting activities to allow healing. Post-rest, your doctor will conduct an X-ray to detect stress fractures, indicating new bone formation. Opt for swimming or upper body exercises instead of running.
Calf Supports: Use a heat retainer calf support for lower leg muscle protection, reducing fibula bone load.
Exercises: Include lower leg stretching and strengthening exercises in your rehab program. Maintain muscle condition, strength, and flexibility for sports demands.
Foot Biomechanics: Correct overpronation or excessive foot rolling or flattening, causing lower leg stress, with orthotic shoe inserts.
Training Errors: Review training methods for factors like overtraining, rapid workload increase, or poor shoe choice. Running shoes generally perform optimally for 400 miles or six months before midsole quality diminishes, reducing cushioning and support.
Massage: A professional therapist applies sports massage to treat lower leg muscles, restoring condition and enhancing flexibility.
