Foot Stress Fractures: Symptoms and Cure for Foot Stress Fractures

Foot Stress Fractures: Symptoms and Cure for Foot Stress Fractures

Foot Stress Fracture

This type of fracture usually occurs in individuals who do high impact activities like running for long periods of time.

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  Fractures can occur in the lower foot or in the metatarsals
  
  


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  A fracture of the metatarsal is also referred to as March Fracture as it is common in soldiers who run in boots
  
  


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  X-Ray imaging of the foot will not show any symptoms of a fracture until after 3 weeks or when the foot stress fracture from running has started to heal.
  
  

Foot Stress Fracture Symptoms

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  Pain in the Forefoot – This type of pain usually gets worse with activity or is aggravated when a person runs
  
  


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  Tenderness – The issue above the affected area may be painful to the touch
  
  


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  Swelling
  
  

Foot Stress Fracture Treatment

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  Rest - There is no other treatment for a foot stress fracture other than rest.
  
  
  The affected foot must be immobilized for at least 6 to 8 weeks
  
  


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  Cast – In cases when the pain is severe, patients may be given a cast that will last for at least 2 to 6 weeks
  
  


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  Crutches – in order to properly immobilize the leg, it is necessary to have the patient use crutches during the rehab period.
  
  

First Aid Care

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  When pain and swelling is observed, activity must be stopped immediately
  
  


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  Rest for a few days is necessary
  
  


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  If the pain persists for more than a few days or a week, patients must seek physician care
  
  

Prevention of a Stress Fracture

Prevention is always going to be better than rehabilitation of an injured foot.


Some preventive methods include:

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  Gradual progress – increasing the intensity and frequency of an activity too quickly can lead to these fractures
  
  


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  Calcium Rich Diet – This helps to strengthen the bones, very important in female athletes
  
  


• Proper Foot Wear – The right shoe will support the affected leg properly, shoe replacements may be necessary when footwear is considered inappropriate

Also see Tibial Stress Fracture Symptoms