STRESS FRACTURES IN ATHLETES - A MULTIFACTORIAL APPROACH TO DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION

Wiktor Rolski; Aleksandra Anna Purpura; Zuzanna Przybylska; Paulina Michalska; Bartłomiej Przystaś; Magdalena Grzechowiak; Sebastian Podeszwa; Mikołaj Piotr Hobot; Gabriela Patrycja Dobosz; Paweł Michalski

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5578

Authors

Wiktor Rolski Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1439-4842
Aleksandra Anna Purpura Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3893-7730
Zuzanna Przybylska Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3329-4602
Paulina Michalska Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4141-5906
Bartłomiej Przystaś Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6121-3839
Magdalena Grzechowiak Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8486-0352
Sebastian Podeszwa Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2973-5324
Mikołaj Piotr Hobot Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2829-6005
Gabriela Patrycja Dobosz Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4012-9101
Paweł Michalski Municipal Combined Hospital in Częstochowa, Częstochowa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8935-7171

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5578

Keywords:

Stress Fractures, Bone Stress Injuries, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Return to Sport

Abstract

Background: Stress fractures are common overuse injuries in athletes, resulting from repetitive mechanical loading and microdamage accumulation. Their development is multifactorial, involving biomechanical, metabolic, and behavioral factors. Increasing attention is being paid to data-driven training management and digital monitoring tools in injury prevention.

Aim: To review current approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of stress fractures in athletes, with emphasis on multifactorial risk models and technology-supported workload management.

Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Original studies and reviews involving athletes were analyzed, focusing on diagnostic strategies, treatment approaches, and preventive frameworks.

Results: Stress fractures predominantly affect the lower extremities, especially the tibia and metatarsal bones. Their pathogenesis reflects an imbalance between mechanical load and bone adaptation, often linked to training errors, low bone mineral density, and hormonal disturbances. MRI is the most sensitive diagnostic modality. Management depends on fracture location and risk classification. Emerging evidence highlights the role of individualized workload monitoring and wearable technologies in reducing injury risk.

Conclusions: Stress fractures require an interdisciplinary approach integrating clinical management with technological and behavioral strategies. Data-driven workload monitoring and metabolic optimization may improve prevention and athlete well-being, with potential implications for broader health management and policy in sport systems.

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