![]() Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures.Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures.Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet. Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. If you have foot pain and feel it may be a stress fracture, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can diagnose and treat this condition. Mild stretches may accelerate the healing process, which may be beneficial in strengthening the overall foot. This typically takes approximately six weeks, and is further evaluated to see if additional treatment is needed. Relief may be found when a boot is worn, and this may provide adequate support as the healing process occurs. Common symptoms that many patients notice include swelling at the end of the day, and it is difficult to walk as the fracture gets worse. It generally develops gradually, and many people tend to ignore the pain and discomfort that often accompanies this type of injury. It occurs when the bones become fatigued, and cannot support the shock that comes from activity. It can happen in the foot, and is often the result of participating in running and jumping activities. ![]() It is important that you do not return to any activity which will cause your symptoms to return.A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture. If the pain returns you should reduce what you are doing and allow things to settle down again. After this you can start low impact activities, if you have no pain then you can begin to return to high impact exercises. When you are able to walk on your leg without pain, you should gradually build up your activity over several days. Casts are usually removed after 4 to 6 weeks. If either a cast or splint is fitted you will be given further advice about care and removal. Sometimes, due to the location of the fracture, a plaster cast or splint will be used to keep unstable bones in a fixed position.Ī plaster cast or splint will also reduce the stress on your leg. This may be a stiff-soled shoe, a wooden-soled sandal, or a removable short leg-fracture brace shoe. Use protective footwear to reduce stress on your foot or leg. ![]() When lying down, raise your foot above the level of your heart, this will help to reduce any swelling.Apply an ice pack to the injured area, please see leaflet GHPI0659 ‘Ice and heat treatment’.Take anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain and swelling.Stress fractures happen because of repetitive stress so it is important to avoid the activity that led to the fracture. Stop the activity that is causing pain. ![]() During this time, you should follow the advice below:
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