Stress Fractures

The feet support the weight of your body every step of the way. With the average person taking approximately 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, and athletes putting in even more mileage while enduring more wear and tear to their feet daily, it’s hardly surprising that stress fractures are a common problem.

What causes a stress fracture?

Unlike a broken bone that occurs as the immediate result of a traumatic injury, a stress fracture develops slowly over time in response to repeated stress. For people with healthy bones, stress fractures in the foot and ankle are typically associated with high-impact, repetitive activities such as running, gymnastics, tennis, soccer, football, and other types of contact sports. Beginning a new activity or increasing the level of an existing one, in which the feet recurrently strike the ground, also elevates the risk of a stress fracture.

Sometimes, a foot deformity or even poorly fitting, non-supportive shoes can change the distribution of forces associated with walking, jumping, standing, or running to increase the likelihood of a stress fracture. For someone with a medical condition that weakens the bones, even low-impact activities can cause a stress fracture.

Indications you may have a stress fracture

Because a stress fracture can develop slowly over time, it may not be immediately apparent that one is present. However, being mindful of the signs and symptoms can help prevent further damage.  

Common symptoms of a stress fracture in the foot and ankle include:

• Pain associated with activity and that gets alleviated with rest
• Localized tenderness to touch
• Inflammation and swelling on the top of the foot or side of the ankle
• Possible discoloration or bruising

The importance of timely care

If you suspect you may have a stress fracture, it’s essential to contact our office for care. Left untreated or ignored, a stress fracture can progress to a complete break causing more significant damage. At our office, we provide skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of disorders affecting the foot and ankle, including the treatment of repetitive stress and overuse injuries.

Once a complete assessment is performed, and the diagnosis gets confirmed, our office will recommend the best options in care to relieve your pain, prevent further damage, allow your fracture to heal, and get you back to your daily activities. While many stress fractures respond to nonsurgical treatment, some cases require a surgical procedure to heal properly.

You can rest assured your treatment is in the best of hands at our office. From diagnosis to treatment, follow-up care, recovery, and rehabilitation, we’re with you every step of the way.