Hairline (Stress) Fracture

DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Hairline (stress) fractures may not be an urgent cause for concern as the symptoms may not always be apparent initially. However, even a minor bone crack can lead to drastic repercussions such as a severe fracture. As such, it is vital to seek treatment early if you suspect that you might have a hairline fracture.

What Is a Hairline (Stress) Fracture?

A hairline or stress fracture is a minute crack in the bone, which may become more severe if not treated swiftly and appropriately.

The bones of the foot and leg (especially the heel and ankle) are extremely prone to hairline fractures as their bones are thin, and they absorb a significant amount of stress from activities that require the legs (such as running or jumping).

Causes & Risk Factors

Overuse of the limbs through repetitive and prolonged activity
Direct injuries to the bone
Weakened bone strength and density due to osteoporosis, old age, low body mass index (BMI) or inherent body characteristics
Improper equipment such as poor running shoes
Lack of nutrients such as vitamin D or calcium

Signs & Symptoms

Erratic or gradual pain (pain may be ‘on’ or ‘off’ depending on exercise intensity)
Swelling
Bruising
Tenderness

How Is a Hairline Fracture Diagnosed?

Dr. Ong will conduct one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Physical examination
MRI scan
X-ray

How Is a Hairline Fracture Treated?

The main treatment of a hairline fracture is to rest and avoid excessive movements or strenuous activities that may aggravate the fracture for about a month. Even a minor bone crack can lead to drastic repercussions such as a severe fracture if not treated properly. As such, it is vital to consult an experienced foot & ankle specialist early if you suspect that you might have a hairline fracture.

In severe cases where immense pain is experienced, you may need to immobilise the affected limb through the use of casts or braces. Additionally, walking boots or crutches may be recommended as well.

Why Do Patients Choose
Dr Ong Kee Leong?

Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised & Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries & Degenerative Conditions Of Shoulder & Knee Joints
Knowledgeable and pleasant clinical staff to assist you with your every need detailed aftercare plan
Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)

“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”

DR ONG KEE LEONG

About Dr. Ong Kee Leong

Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr. Ong Kee Leong is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. He subspecializes in shoulder and knee, foot and ankle, hand wrist and elbow surgeries, arthroscopic sports surgery, and the management of sports-related injuries.

He has been registered with the Singapore Medical Council as a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery since 2011.

MBBS, National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Medicine 2001
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2007
Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (NUS) 2007
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Orthopaedic Surgery 2011
Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship, Ministry of Health 2012-2013
Sports Surgery and Arthroscopy in Germany (Hannover)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lee Kong Chian School Of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
Senior Clinical Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS

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Billing & Payment

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation,
and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).

Modes of Payment

We accept the following modes of payment:

Cash
PayNow & PayLah
All major Credit Cards

If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

The 6 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are: