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Do X-rays Show Stress Fractures?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015
Question: I am a runner. I did a pretty high intensity workout in which i was coming up on my toes in a sprinting motion. Afterwards, I started experiencing some pain in my metatarsal area below my middle toe ( about a half inch from the base of the toe). I experienced pain walking and took a few days off. I thought I might be better ( pain still there but somewhat better). I went running the other day and could feel the pain starting to set in again. Since that run I am having difficulty walking. I noticed some discoloration in the area of pain as well. Does it sound like an x Ray is in order? Do stress fractures show up in an x Ray? Any ideas? Thanks. XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are likely to have stress fracture. It shows up in bone scan.

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and the uploaded image, and understand your concern. You are likely to have stress fracture of metacarpal. Stress fracture generally does not show on x ray. It shows on x ray when it is old i.e. when callus is formed in it. Generally stress fracture is seen in bone scan. It is generally treated on clinical grounds. Its treatment is rest and analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Walking and exercises should be avoided for few weeks. Discolouration in area of stress fracture denotes repetitive injury which also cause stress fracture.

You can discuss with your doctor about it.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 3356 Questions

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Do X-rays Show Stress Fractures?

Brief Answer: You are likely to have stress fracture. It shows up in bone scan. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar I have gone through your query and the uploaded image, and understand your concern. You are likely to have stress fracture of metacarpal. Stress fracture generally does not show on x ray. It shows on x ray when it is old i.e. when callus is formed in it. Generally stress fracture is seen in bone scan. It is generally treated on clinical grounds. Its treatment is rest and analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Walking and exercises should be avoided for few weeks. Discolouration in area of stress fracture denotes repetitive injury which also cause stress fracture. You can discuss with your doctor about it. Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you. Wishing you a good health. Take care.