DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Hairline (Stress) Fracture

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.

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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
  • Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
  • Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
  • Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
  • Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised and Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
  • Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries And Degenerative Conditions Of The Shoulder And Knee Joints
  • Knowledgeable And Pleasant Clinical Staff To Assist You With Your Every Need Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure
  • 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)

“Moving your body the way nature intended is a freedom not well appreciated until it is lost. We are passionate about getting you back in the game, and staying in the game. My team and I are fully committed to returning you to the life and activities you love.”

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
Awards & Teaching
  • Dr. Ong had received numerous awards such as Best Service and Eastern Health Alliance Caring (Gold) Awards.
  • He also has an interest in clinical research and has written papers in multiple peer-review journals. As a Core Faculty of Singhealth Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, he oversees the training of junior orthopaedic surgeons.
  • Regularly invited to teach local and regional surgeons in Shoulder and Knee Surgery Courses.
  • He is a recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Singhealth Residency Outstanding Faculty Awards from 2014-2016 and Changi General Hospital Outstanding Educator Awards 2015-2016.
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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:

  • NTUC Income’s IncomeShield and Enhanced IncomeShield
  • American International Assurance International Co’s (AIA) HealthShield Gold
  • Great Eastern Life Assurance Co’s SupremeHealth and SupremeHealth Plus
  • Aviva Ltd’s MyShield
  • Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
  • AXA Shield
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