Fatigue Fracture / Stress Fracture / March Fracture
Description of March fracture

March fracture of the metatarsal bone (toe bones consisting of 3 parts) usually happens to people who walk a lot (soldiers, nurses, and mail carriers, etc.). Pain is located in the forefoot but becomes more spread out from walking. It is worth noting that the injured person cannot always locate the pain. In most cases, the pain is located at the II or III metatarsal bones (2nd or 3rd outermost bone on the individual toe bone).

Symptoms of march fracture
  • Direct and indirect tenderness of toe bones II or III.
  • Pain in the foot when walking and running.
  • Limping.
  • Swelling around toe bones II or III can be seen and felt.
Examination of march fracture
  • Analysis / Inspection / Palpation / ROM, Visual and Physical Examination and comparison with opposite foot.
  • Direct and indirect soreness.
  • Tuning fork (127-128hz) test.
  • X-ray examination can provide the diagnosis.
Treatment for march fracture
  • Application of tenso-tapening that has to be changed once a week for 3 to 6 weeks. (Firstly, added is a tape loop holding the toe up. Then tenso-tape is applied around the foot.)
  • Relief with crutches until there is no longer pain resulting from walking.
  • Stille øgning af belastning når foden er smertefri.

Technically, there is no rehabilitation for this injury as it is more a matter of relieving the damage. However, you should pay attention to training the rest of the body so that you do not lose your current mobility, stability, and strength. Figure out what kind of training you can do, and work out according to the level you can work at. Exercising the rest of the body accelerates healing of your injury, among other things, since training increases nerve activity and circulation.