Stress Fracture of the Medial Malleolus

The medial malleolus is the bony bit on the inside of the ankle. A stress fracture can occur here but is very rare. Symptoms include pain on the inside of the ankle which is made worse by running and jumping activities, tenderness over the medial malleolus and sometimes swelling. If the stress fracture is in the early stages it may not show up on X-ray but a bone scan, CT scan, or MRI can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment includes rest from weight bearing activities for around 6 weeks. An aircast ankle brace or traditional cast may help protect and support the joint. If the injury has progressed to a complete fracture then surgery or casting may be required.