Could you have a stress fracture in your foot?
Have you recently noticed pain in your foot or lower leg that worsens when you move and eases when you rest? You may even be able to pinpoint the exact area of pain with one finger? There’s a chance you may have a foot stress fracture!
What is a foot stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a very small crack in the bone that occurs due to overuse. It generally comes about in runners and athletes, particularly those who move in a way that promotes excessive force or stress through the feet.
It is important to recognise a stress fracture early, otherwise the small cracks can slowly develop and become a much larger injury to deal with. New stress fractures generally don’t appear on X-Rays for the first 3-4 weeks, luckily there are clinical assessments podiatrists can use to help diagnose one. Get assessed at the first sign of pain and you may save yourself a world of issues down the track.
What are stress fracture symptoms?
Symptoms of foot stress fractures include:- Dull pain, either consistent or sporadic
- Worse when weight bearing (walking or running)
- Pain on direct touch
- Swelling
What can we do about stress fractures?
There are a range of treatments your podiatrist will have available for managing stress fractures, all of which will involve reducing the load/ stress on the affected area. The treatment pathway will depend on the severity of the crack and the individual’s circumstances.
Possible treatment options when managing foot stress fractures include:- Foot strapping
- Foot padding
- Activity modification and education
- Moon boot
- Customised foot orthotics
If you think you may be struggling with a stress fracture, make sure to book in with your Movement Centre podiatrist today for a proper assessment and diagnosis. We are experts in all conditions of the foot & lower leg, and will happily get you back on your feet in one piece.
