Stress Fractures

What are stress fractures?

A tiny crack in the bone of the foot or ankle is called a stress fracture. Sometimes severe bruising in the foot or ankle is also referred to as a stress fracture.

What causes stress fractures?

Stress fractures in the foot happen when the foot is being overused through increased and repetitive activity, such as with athletes and runners. Overtime, this overuse and repetitive activity causes the muscles to become fatigued and not able to handle change in movement and unable to absorb shock very well (for example, jumping and landing).

Common symptoms:

• Foot pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness to the touch
• Bruising

How do we treat you?

We will perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. We may recommend modifying your activities, based on your health history and your level of physical activity.

Usually, stress fractures can be treated conservatively by:

• Resting and elevating the injured foot
• Icing the foot or ankle
• Compression by wrapping a bandage around the afflicted area

When to visit Nagy Footcare

If you have persistent or severe foot pain caused by a stress fracture that does not heal with rest and other conservative treatments, it’s important to contact Nagy Footcare because you may need casting or foot surgery to help you fully recover.