An imaging test, such as an X-ray, MRI, or bone scan, is required to accurately diagnose the location and extent of a stress fracture. If you have symptoms common to a stress fracture, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as early as possible. What to do if you suspect a stress fracture Being overweight or having medical conditions like osteoporosis can make your bones more vulnerable to added stress during repetitive movements. Other practices, like using improper equipment or wearing ill-fitting footwear, can exert pressure in areas unable to support repetitive forces.Ĭertain physical factors can also increase your risk of developing a stress fracture. Using a different exercise surface, like moving from a treadmill to outdoor running, can change the way you put weight on your foot and make you susceptible to stress fractures. This can occur when you suddenly increase the frequency or number of days in which you participate in an activity or change from one type of activity to another. You may be living with a stress fracture if you’ve made rapid changes in your activities without allowing time for proper conditioning. The movements involved in high-impact sports, like running, basketball, tennis, and track and field, involve repetitive activities that are more likely to cause stress fractures. Stress fractures don’t occur as the result of an injury or accident, but develop over time. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get a medical evaluation to determine proper treatment and reduce the risk of further damage to the affected bone. Bruising and swelling at the site of the stress fracture.Swelling on the ankle or top of your foot. Relief from pain during periods of rest.Pain, aching, and tenderness that worsens during and after physical activity or movement.However, the more often you participate in the damaging activity without allowing time for the bone to heal, the more likely it is that the stress fracture can worsen and cause the following symptoms: Since the initial signs of a stress fracture may be mild, it’s easy to ignore them or brush them off as an inconvenience. Common locations include the second and third metatarsal bones, the long thin bones between your toes and ankle, which is where you’re likely to first notice discomfort. Stress fractures often affect the weight-bearing bones in your foot, which work to absorb the repetitive stress that occurs during running, jumping, and walking. After a thorough physical examination and assessment, your podiatrist determines the extent of your stress fracture and the most appropriate course of treatment for recovery.įind out how to decide whether your symptoms indicate a potential stress fracture and how you can prevent your condition from worsening. At Chicagoland Foot and Ankle, our team of board-certified foot and ankle specialists provide professional diagnosis and treatment of stress fractures and other foot injuries, diseases, and conditions. Without treatment or modifying your activities to allow the bone to heal, the crack can become deeper over time.Įarly detection and appropriate care are the best ways to prevent a stress fracture from developing into a full broken bone. In response to the added pressure, the bone develops a tiny, hairline crack, called a stress fracture. Almost 50% of all sports injuries are overuse injuries.Ī stress fracture in your foot typically occurs as the result of movements that produce repeated strain on an affected bone. Though this condition is typical among athletes, a stress fracture can affect anyone who participates in repetitive or high-impact activities. Eating disorders and lack of vitamin D and calcium can make bones more likely to develop stress fractures.A stress fracture is one of the most common overuse injuries related to exercise and sports. Having had one or more stress fractures puts you at higher risk of having more. Conditions such as osteoporosis can weaken your bones and make it easier for stress fractures to occur. Worn footwear contributes to the problem. People who have flat feet or high, rigid arches are more likely to develop stress fractures. Women, especially those who have abnormal or absent menstrual periods, are at higher risk of developing stress fractures. Stress fractures often occur in people who suddenly shift from a sedentary lifestyle to an active training regimen or who rapidly increase the intensity, duration or frequency of training sessions. Stress fractures are more common in people who engage in high-impact sports, such as track and field, basketball, tennis, dance or gymnastics. Factors that can increase your risk of stress fractures include:
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