Stress Fractures of the Foot
- Updated on: 2020-03-13
- Read original article here
A stress fracture of the foot is a bone crack that may occur as a result of repetitive low-impact force.1 Stress fractures are not typically sudden events, and they can begin as tiny cracks in the bone that gradually enlarge with repeated impact over time. Swelling of the affected area is common, as is pain, particularly when pressure is put on the foot.
This type of foot fracture can usually be identified with a physical examination and/or an imaging test. Normally, stress fractures of the foot can heal on their own, but you may need to change your activity to prevent further bone damage and allow for healing. In rare instances, a stress fracture in the foot may be severe enough to necessitate surgical intervention.2
Symptoms
You may experience pain and tenderness in and around the area of a stress fracture in your foot. The pain is usually worse while you are placing pressure or weight on the fractured bone, such as when you stand or walk. Mild or moderate activity can exacerbate the pain of a stress fracture—you don't need to exert major pressure on your foot to reproduce the discomfort.
Other symptoms of a stress fracture in the foot can include:
Reduced pain when you rest
Swelling of the foot
Bruising around the painful area of the foot
The pain and other symptoms of a stress fracture might not occur immediately when you begin to stand, walk, or run, but can recur after prolonged pressure on the foot.
Causes
A stress fracture is often described as an overuse injury because it tends to develop with repetitive movements, rather than with a sudden twist or fall.
In the foot, the metatarsals (bones leading to the toes) and the navicular bone are prone to stress fractures due to their small size and the heavy force of pressure exerted on them when you step down firmly with your foot.1
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop a stress fracture in the foot, but there are risk factors that can predispose you to these injuries, such as:
Osteoporosis1
Wearing footwear that is not supportive or protective when running or jogging
Running on a hard surface
Repetitive pressure on the foot
An abrupt or marked increase in pressure on the foot
Women are at a greater risk of developing a foot stress fracture than men. This is due to several predisposing factors, including relatively lower muscle bulk and strength, and thin or fragile bones.
Athletes who participate in activities that cause a low-impact landing on the feet can experience stress fractures. Running or jumping can lead to cracks in the bones of the foot.
Athletes may be prone to stress fractures in certain locations of the foot that correspond to the positioning of feet during sports. For example, soccer players tend to have stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have a stress fracture in your foot or if you have persistent foot pain, see your doctor as soon as possible. Ignoring the pain or taking medication to reduce the discomfort while you continue the activity that caused the fracture can lead to serious consequences.
In fact, without proper medical attention, a bone that already has a small stress fracture might not heal and the bone can break completely.
Your doctor can usually diagnose a stress fracture based on your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination.
If you have osteoporosis, your doctor may also check your calcium level with a blood test to determine whether you are low in this mineral.
Treatment
Treatment of a stress fracture usually involves conservative RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression and elevation. In many cases, taking a break from the harmful activity will help the bone heal.1 Your doctor may also recommend protective footwear or a cast if your bones need stabilization or protection.
Once your stress fracture is completely healed and you are pain-free, your doctor will re-evaluate you and may provide you with instructions about gradually increasing your physical activity.
Most foot stress fractures will heal completely in six to eight weeks.
The vast majority of stress fractures do not require surgery. When a particular stress fracture is prone to slow healing or if the bones are not healing properly, a surgical procedure may be recommended.
Prevention
Stress fractures are not completely preventable, but there are some important steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing one. These strategies are important for anyone who is planning on maintaining a moderate level of physical activity, not just for intense athletes.
Eat well: Maintain strong, healthy bones by consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Progress slowly: Be sure to approach exercise and physical activity with a long-term plan to build your strength and endurance, rather than with sudden changes that your body may not be ready for. Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually over time.
Wear the right shoes: Your shoes should fit properly and provide your feet with support. Make sure to replace shoes as necessary.
Acknowledge pain: If you experience any pain or swelling in your feet, be sure to stop the pain-inducing activity. If pain persists or recurs, see your doctor.
A Word From Verywell
Stress fractures are not uncommon. If you experience pain, you should have a medical evaluation. These small bone cracks can heal on their own, but ignoring a stress fracture can lead to a more severe break in the bone.
