What are the treatment options for a stress fracture?

The treatment options for a stress fracture primarily focus on allowing the affected bone to heal while minimizing further injury. Resting the injured area is crucial, as it reduces stress on the bone and promotes healing. Applying ice can help manage pain and swelling, which is often associated with a stress fracture. Gradual return to activity is essential to prevent re-injury; this typically involves modifying physical activities to avoid high-impact exercises until the bone has adequately healed.

Immediate surgical intervention is not usually required for stress fractures unless there are complications or they do not heal with conservative measures. Topical corticosteroids are generally not indicated for stress fractures, as they are more often associated with managing inflammation or pain in other contexts but do not address the underlying issue of bone healing. Physical therapy can play a supportive role but is not a primary treatment for a stress fracture; it may be included later in the recovery process to strengthen surrounding muscles and restore function. Thus, resting, icing, and gradually returning to activity represent a comprehensive and effective approach for managing a stress fracture.