Stress Fracture

Why do I have a stress fracture?

Stress fractures are tiny bone breaks that develop gradually over time due to stress and pressure on your bones. These injuries are one of the top overuse issues that athletes, runners, and dancers face. You can develop a stress fracture if you:

• Participate in jumping sports, like basketball
• Suddenly increase your workout intensity
• Train on a hard surface, such as concrete

Your risk of suffering from a stress fracture also goes up if you have weakened bones due to osteoporosis. Because you may overlook the warning signs of a stress fracture, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms early on, so you know when it’s time to have an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?

Most stress fractures develop in the bones of the forefoot, anywhere from your toes to the middle of your foot. But you can certainly develop a stress fracture in other bones, too. When you have a stress fracture, you might initially experience a little soreness, especially during periods of activity and exercise.

As your stress fracture worsens each time you participate in weight-bearing activities though, you’re probably going to notice:

• Discomfort that improves with rest
• Swelling, tenderness, or inflammation
• Bruising or skin discoloration

If left untreated, a simple stress fracture can become serious and may even turn into a complete fracture. Before your stress fracture gets any worse, see how the team of board-certified podiatrists at the Center for Podiatric Medicine can help.

How are stress fractures treated?

In most cases, your dedicated podiatrist can diagnose you by performing a physical examination and looking at digital in-office X-rays. After diagnosing you and ruling out any other possible conditions, your personalized stress fracture treatment plan may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Bracing, casting, or splinting
• Activity modifications
• Compression wrapping
• Protective footwear

If conservative treatments aren’t enough, or if you have a more severe bone fracture, your podiatrist might recommend surgery to place pins, screws, or plates to promote proper healing.

Schedule your stress fracture evaluation at Chicagoland’s Center for Podiatric Medicine today. Click on the online scheduler or call any office to speak with a team member.