Stress fractures are hairline cracks in bones. These injuries start small, and you may not even notice you’re injured at first. But over time, the fracture grows worse and begins to limit your favorite activities.
Stress fractures are common, but the good news is that they’re often preventable. Whether you have foot pain now or you’re hoping to prevent future injury, you’ve come to the right place.
Lisa Burson, DPM, Joe Aoun, DPM, and our team at The Foot & Ankle Specialists offer preventive tips and prompt care for stress fractures and other common foot and ankle injuries.
Stress fractures develop because of repetitive stress on delicate bones in the body. Anyone can get a stress fracture if they engage in repetitive, weight-bearing activities, and this type of injury is particularly common among athletes.
Sports that involve running and jumping may increase the likelihood of stress fracture, including:
Although athletes are most affected by stress fractures, you don’t have to be an athlete to have one. Older people and people with osteoporosis naturally have more fragile bones, and simply walking or standing too long can cause fractures to develop.
Stress fractures are common, but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable. If you engage in sports or you have a health condition that weakens your bones, it’s important to learn what you can do to prevent a stress fracture.
Your shoes can make a big difference for your foot health. Choose supportive shoes that are appropriate for your sport or activity to help you avoid injuries like stress fractures.
Supportive shoes help distribute your body weight and take stress off your feet and ankles. If you aren’t sure where to start, our team can help you find shoes. We assess your feet and ask about your activities to determine what type of shoes you should be wearing.
Suddenly changing your workout routine or the intensity of your training sessions puts extra stress on your body. If you change your routine too quickly, it could increase your risk of stress fracture. Instead, introduce the new activity slowly to allow your body time to adjust and minimize your risk of injury.
If you want to change your workout routine, do it gradually. These changes could include adding a new exercise, increasing the intensity of your workouts, or even changing the location of your activity — for example, running on a trail instead of a treadmill. Learn stress fracture warning signs
Stress fractures start slowly, so it’s possible to have one without knowing it. The longer the stress fracture goes untreated, the worse it can become, so it’s important to learn the signs of injury and know when it’s time to rest.
Common symptoms of a stress fracture in the foot are:
If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait to get a foot exam. Dr. Burson and Dr. Aoun are here to identify the cause of your pain and recommend fracture treatment to get you back to your usual activities as quickly as possible.
Schedule a consultation at The Foot & Ankle Specialists for personalized tips to keep your feet strong and healthy.
