A stress fracture in the foot is a small crack or break in a bone. This type of fracture is also known as a hairline fracture. Stress fractures most often happen in weight-bearing bones among people who participate in repetitive activities that put a lot of stress on the feet. They are also due to a sudden change in activities or surfaces, or an abnormal foot structure. Those most at risk for stress fractures are women, those with low levels of vitamin D and calcium, those with osteoporosis, those taking certain medications, and those who have previously sustained foot stress fractures. Stress fractures can occur in any bone of the foot but most often happen to the second and third metatarsal bones – the long bones that connect the toes to the ankle. These are the bones that bear the most stress when pushing off the foot. A stress fracture must heal properly to prevent worse injuries from occurring. Stress fractures of the foot cause pain, which gets worse when walking or bearing weight. The pain may ease when resting and return when activity commences. Stress fractures can be prevented by warming up before participating in activities that put stress on the feet, cross-training rather than focusing on a single sport, wearing properly fitted shoes for the activity, eating a healthy diet (with enough vitamin D and calcium), and checking in with doctors about possible side effects of medicines they are taking. If you feel you have a foot stress fracture, you might see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.