What Does a Foot Fracture Feel Like?
Foot injuries can range from very mild to very serious – some even resulting in long-term limited mobility. It’s not always easy to tell if your foot injury is a serious one, or one that just needs a bit of rest. A foot fracture is one of the worst foot injuries you can sustain, especially since they can lead to worse injuries if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot a foot fracture versus a less serious injury. If you have an active lifestyle, a foot fracture is always a possibility, but it can also occur from a random accident. We put together all the things you need to identify the signs of a stress fracture in your foot.
What causes stress fractures in feet?
The scariest part of stress fractures is that they can often occur seemingly without warning. Even more so for foot stress fractures since they are used – and stressed – so frequently.
Stress fractures are often caused by overuse. Gradual wear and tear on your foot from repeated activities or repetitive force is a huge factor in stress fractures. Simply walking is not enough to cause a stress fracture, but running, jumping, dancing, or any other strenuous activity can increase the stress on your foot. Athletes are at the highest risk as are people with bone conditions such as osteoporosis.
A stress fracture can occur even if you don’t feel pain leading up to it. Sometimes even when the fracture does occur, the pain can seem mild. Over time though, the pain gets worse and worse if left untreated. So how do you identify if what you’re dealing with is a stress fracture?
How do I identify a stress fracture?
Stress fractures most commonly occur along the metatarsal bones – the long, skinny bones between your toes and ankle. If you have pain in this area, it could be a sign of a stress-fractured foot. Not all foot pain in that area is a stress fracture, of course. That’s why differentiating between what is causing the pain is important.
Here’s some signs that could point to a stress fracture:
The pain worsens during physical activity and is better during downtime
Increased pain over time
Bruising or swelling along the foot or ankle
A podiatrist can help you identify and treat a stress fracture. If you’re dealing with any foot pain, you should get in touch with them and make an appointment as quick as possible.
How is a stress fracture treated?
As with many issues, treatment is easier if you catch it early. Stress fractures are typically small, hairline breaks. This means that – if caught early enough – they can heal on their own and recover with proper rest.
The first step is a proper diagnosis, which can be done by a podiatrist who will x-ray your foot. If there is a fracture, your foot doctor will most likely prescribe the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. With proper care and time, your stress fracture should heal on its own.
Have you sustained a foot injury or have other podiatric issues? Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher, at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers. Contact any of our locations in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro to set up an appointment today!