Signs You’re Living with a Stress Fracture in Your Foot
Sep 04, 2024
If you have a moderately active life that consists of daily walks along with a few workout sessions at the gym each week, a stress fracture is likely the last thing on your mind when you experience ongoing heel pain or persistent pain across the top of your foot.
Stress fractures seem like injuries only athletes need to worry about, but anyone can develop one of these “hairline” bone breaks. Simple activities like taking long walks or switching up your fitness routine can actually lead to a stress fracture.
One of the problems with stress fractures is that they typically start small and go unnoticed until they worsen and cause more intense pain. That's why it’s crucial to catch them early to prevent complications. But how do you do that?
At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas, our podiatry team specializes in diagnosing and treating stress fractures. Here, we break down the early warning signs of a stress fracture in your foot, and explain what you should do next if you suspect you may have one.
A stress fracture is a small break in a bone that occurs when it's been under excessive stress or pressure. When it occurs in the foot, it often stems from overuse. These types of “repetitive stress” injuries often happen with long-distance running or sports that involve jumping.
However, stress fractures don’t only occur in athletes or people with very active lifestyles. Simple, everyday activities can trigger them if your bones are weakened due to conditions like osteoporosis, nutritional deficiencies, or even wearing the wrong shoes.
Your feet are susceptible to stress fractures because they bear your body’s weight. The most common areas where a stress fracture is likely to develop include the metatarsals, or the long bones leading to your toes, and the navicular bone on the top of your foot.
The early signs of a stress fracture can be mild. When you get a periodic dull ache in your feet, particularly after walking or standing for long periods, you may think your feet are just tired.
However, a dull ache that comes and goes, especially at a particular point in your foot, may indicate a stress fracture. Unlike general soreness, which you might feel in your entire foot, the discomfort from a stress fracture is typically more concentrated in a specific spot.
You may also feel the ache more when you’re active than when you’re at rest. It’s also common for mild swelling and some bruising to occur around the area of the fracture.
Finally, if pressing on a specific part of your foot causes pain, it could be a sign of a stress fracture. When you have a sore muscle, it feels better after you’ve rested, but with a stress fracture, the pain might persist and even worsen over time.
If you suspect you have a stress fracture, seek expert care ASAP. Why? Leaving a hairline bone break untreated increases your risk of developing a more severe break over time. Our team provides the treatment you need to ensure a full recovery, minimize your downtime, and help you avoid more serious complications.
Rest is essential for treating a stress fracture. Avoid activities that put pressure on your foot. Once your bone has healed, returning to your usual activities gradually can help you avoid re-injury.
If you have an underlying condition like osteoporosis, the healing process for a seemingly minor stress fracture can be even slower, making early diagnosis and treatment even more crucial.
A stress fracture isn’t a dire injury, but without early diagnosis and professional intervention, it can become a more severe complication. Whether you’re an athlete or simply someone who enjoys a daily walk, it’s important to listen to your feet and get help if you suspect something is wrong.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain, South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, can help. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in San Antonio or Kerrville, Texas, today.