A Femoral stress fracture is a small crack in your thigh bone. It happens when the bone is put under too much stress over and over without enough time to recover. Instead of one big injury the bone slowly becomes weaker until a small crack forms. This injury is most common in runners and athletes who suddenly increase how much they train. If it is not treated early the crack can get bigger and become a complete break.
Deep pain in the thigh or groin
Dull aching pain
Pain that gets worse during running
Pain while jumping
Pain when putting weight on the leg
Pain while walking
Pain that gets better with rest at first
Pain that slowly gets worse over time
Limping
Weakness in the leg
Trouble running at full speed
A Femoral stress fracture usually starts as a tiny ache deep in your thigh or groin. At first the pain may only happen during running or sports and go away with rest. As the injury gets worse the pain can last longer and may even hurt while walking or standing. Some athletes notice they cannot run as fast or jump as well because of the pain.
Running long distances
Increasing training too quickly
Doing too many hard workouts without rest
Jumping over and over
Marching or military style training
Weak bones
Not eating enough healthy foods
Poor running form
Worn out shoes
Returning to sports too soon afte
Do I have a deep ache in my thigh or groin when I run?
Has my pain slowly gotten worse over the last few weeks?
Does the pain improve with rest but come back when I exercise?
Am I limping because of the pain?
Did I recently increase my training or mileage?
Does hopping on one leg make the pain worse?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
1Stop running jumping and other high impact sports as soon as the pain starts
2Tell a parent coach or athletic trainer about your pain early before the injury gets worse
3Use crutches if walking is painful or you are limping
4Switch to low impact exercise like swimming or pool running if your doctor says it is okay
5Eat healthy foods with enough calcium protein and vitamin D to help your bones heal
6Wear supportive athletic shoes and replace old shoes that have worn out
7Follow your doctor’s plan before returning to sports because running too soon can make the crack bigger
You cannot put weight on your leg
Severe pain even while resting
Sudden sharp pain after weeks of aching
Your leg gives out or you cannot walk
Follow your doctor’s plan and do not return to sports too early
Build back slowly by walking before jogging and jogging before sprinting, Strengthen your hips glutes and legs with exercises like bridges clamshells and bodyweight squats
Use a stationary bike or swim to stay active while your bone heals
Eat enough calcium vitamin D and protein every day to build stronger bones
Increase running distance by only a small amount each week instead of making big jumps
Replace worn out running shoes and train on softer surfaces when possible
Continue strength training even after you return to sports to lower your chance of another stress fracture
For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.