If you are already suffering from a stress fracture, managing your pain is the biggest concern. Cold applications have been practiced for centuries to reduce pain. They help minimize the swelling caused by inflammation, deaden the sensation of pain in the afflicted area, and promote healing by allowing inflammation to take its course at a faster rate. Ice therapy is also a very inexpensive way to manage your pain. You can place a sizeable portion of ice mixed with a little water in any sealable bag, or you can purchase an ice pack from almost any store. It is also very simple to make your own ice pack at home: Take a sealable bag and combine 3 cups of water with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, make sure to mix well. Then, place it in the freezer until solidified. You can use it whenever you need to, and when it becomes slushy, just place it back in the freezer.

Topical analgesics are another great way to reduce pain from stress fractures. These types of products come in the form of creams or lotions and are applied by rubbing them on the skin. To provide the best relief, the topical analgesic should contain menthol because it provides a soothing effect when applied to the skin. However, some products also contain ingredients like Capsicum, Chondroitin, Arnica, Aloe Vera, Emu oil, etc which have been found to effectively reduce pain. Emu oil is famous for its skin permeating properties, which quickly delivers anti-inflammatory ingredients to the fractured bone. As rest is a major component of healing a stress fracture, it is advisable to use ice packs and topical analgesics during said periods of rest. This is a great way to start the healing process from multiple angles.