Stress Fracture

Standing, walking, and most sports put considerable pressure on foot and ankle bones, explaining why stress fractures are so common. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, with offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, the experienced podiatry providers offer skilled care in the office. From diagnosis to treatment and return to your regular activities, you can rely upon the largest podiatry group in the Memphis area. Call the office nearest you or click on the online scheduler to make your appointment now.

What are stress fractures?

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones. Most fractures happen during accidents, but stress fractures are unique because they occur over time. 

Nearly any bone in the body can develop a stress fracture; however, the feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable because walking, standing, climbing stairs, sports, and other movements frequently put a lot of pressure on those bones. 

The most common areas of stress fractures include: 

• Second and third metatarsals: the long bones in the top of your foot
• Sesamoids: bones in the ball of your foot (under your big toe) 
• Calcaneus: heel bone
• Fibula: the outer bone in your ankle
• Talus: bone above the calcaneus
• Navicular: bone on the top of your midfoot

Stress fractures in any of these areas can worsen, leading to a complete break in the bone if untreated. 

What are the signs of a stress fracture?

Symptoms of a stress fracture include: 

• Aching or pain that’s more intense during weight-bearing activities
• Pain relief when you get off your feet
• Swelling 
• Bruising
• Redness

Stress fracture symptoms are often relatively mild at first, but if you continue your usual activities, your symptoms will likely intensify.

What causes stress fractures?

Stress fractures can occur for many reasons, but they most often happen with overuse. A sudden increase in physical activity, improper training, lack of protective equipment, or a change in surface (like running on asphalt instead of dirt) can cause stress fractures. 

Additionally, older people are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which weakens the bones and could lead to fractures. 

How are stress fractures treated?

Early treatment offers the best chance of complete fracture healing. Common approaches include activity modifications for around six to eight weeks. You may need a foot immobilization device like a cast, brace, or splint during that time. 

If your stress fracture doesn’t heal as expected, you could need surgery that places internal hardware to hold the bone in place so it can finally heal.

After you heal, Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists guides you back to partial and then full activity. The experienced specialists can also help you reduce your risk of future fractures with prescription orthotics, physical therapy, and careful changes in routine. 

For help with any foot or ankle injury, from stress fractures to ankle sprains, book your appointment by calling the nearest Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists or clicking the online scheduler now.