Stress fractures are a very common painful condition effecting the foot seen by our foot doctors Family Foot & Ankle Centers. Many times this condition is difficult to find and often not correctly diagnosed. This is because stress fractures don’t typically occur from a sudden injury or trauma but rather result from repeated pressure on the foot.

Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks in the bones that can occur in any foot bone, but most often affect the weight-bearing bones of the foot. Active people are especially susceptible to stress fractures but our foot doctors have treated stress fractures in people of all ages. Stress fractures frequently result from activities such as running, sports, and walking. People that do not have correct shoes, abnormal foot structure or weakened bones are also be more vulnerable to suffer a stress fracture.

Stress fractures usually come on gradually and may not be painful in the beginning.  Symptoms may persist for weeks or months before the diagnosis of a stress fracture is even made. Pain when walking is the primary symptom of a stress fracture but swelling is also commonly associated with the pain in the foot. The swelling usually worsens as the day goes on. 

How To Treat Stress Fractures:

Treatment for stress fractures are aimed at removing the pressure from the foot. Our foot doctors initially recommend rest, icing the foot three times a day x 20 minutes, and elevation. It is important to reduce weight bearing activities until the pain has improved. Other treatments may include immobilization of the foot with a fracture boot or shoe, shoe modifications with padding, orthotics and anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce swelling.

Early diagnosis is essential to prevent further damage and decrease recovery time as stress fractures tend to get worse and may even lead to a complete bone fracture if not treated right away. A Family Foot & Ankle Centers podiatrist will examine your foot, take a in-office digital x-ray to determine if there is a crack in the bone, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to get you back on your feet ASAP. If you think you may have a foot stress fracture, we have 3 convenient locations in Waxahachie, Ennis and Corsicana, TX to get you better!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Family Foot & Ankle Centers by clicking here or calling 972-597-4132 to reach our Waxahachie office, 903-872-9910 to reach our Corsicana office or 972-875-3668 to reach our Ennis office.