Podiatrist Offices Conveniently Located In Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry & Montclair New Jersey

Innovative Foot & Ankle

Footnotes / Blog

Sunday, January 21st, 2018 Elizabeth Anthony

What is a Stress Fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone or severe bruising within a bone. These injuries are most commonly the result of overuse, occurring when repetitive stress causes microscopic damage to the bone. As bones and muscles don’t have enough time to recover between activity sessions, this constant strain can lead to stress fractures. Sudden increases in activity are also common causes of these injuries.

Symptoms of a Stress Fracture

Common signs of a stress fracture include:

  • Pain that decreases during rest (most common).
  • Pain during daily activities, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area.
  • Swelling on the top of the foot or outside the ankle.
  • Tenderness when touched at the site of the fracture.
  • Possible bruising near the affected area.

Conservative Treatment for Stress Fractures

Initial treatment options often include:

  • Rest and Ice: To reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Modified Activities: Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can help prevent further stress on the bone.
  • Protective Footwear: A stiff-soled shoe or short-leg fracture brace shoe may be recommended to reduce pressure on the injured foot.
  • Occasionally, a Cast: In more severe cases, a hard cast may be used to immobilize the foot.

Surgical Treatment for Stress Fractures

If a stress fracture doesn’t heal with conservative treatment in 6-8 weeks, internal fixation may be needed. This involves the use of pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone together and assist in the healing process.

Recovery and Gradual Return to Activity

Recovery from a stress fracture requires a gradual return to activity. It’s important to slowly increase activity levels to avoid overloading the affected bone. Returning to full activity too quickly can lead to a refracture of the bone.

Prevention of Stress Fractures

The following steps can help prevent future stress fractures:

  • Increase Calcium and Vitamin D intake to support bone health.
  • Use Proper Footwear: Replace old running shoes to maintain adequate shock absorption. A softer insole and a stiffer outer sole are ideal for athletic shoes.
  • Start Slowly: When beginning a new activity, increase your time, speed, and distance by no more than 10 percent per week.
  • Vary Activities: Alternate high-impact activities (like running) with lower-impact sports (such as swimming or cycling) to avoid overloading the same area of your body.
  • Strength Training: Incorporate weight lifting into your routine to enhance muscle strength and prevent early muscle fatigue.

Seek Medical Care

If you suspect that you have a stress fracture, it’s important to seek medical treatment to confirm the diagnosis and start proper treatment. At Innovative Foot & Ankle, our licensed podiatrists are ready to help you recover and get you back on your feet. We have four locations across Northern New Jersey: Kenilworth, Montclair, Bayonne, and Little Ferry.

Previous Article Dance-related Foot and Ankle Injuries: What Dancers Need to Know Dancers, particularly ballerinas, often experience foot and ankle injuries such as Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains. Innovative Foot & Ankle provides expert diagnosis and treatment [...]
Next Article Do you have Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction? Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common cause of foot pain and flatfoot. Innovative Foot & Ankle provides both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for [...]