If you are suffering from pain in your foot that doesn’t have an obvious cause, you may be experiencing a stress fracture. The pain from this type of fracture can come and go, and often is increased during specific foot movements which can help your foot doctor determine the location of the break.
Stress fractures are usually small cracks in the bone that are caused by the repeated stress and pressure to the foot that comes with work, exercise and sports. Deterioration of bones from osteoporosis and arthritis can also increase the occurrence of stress fractures.
Some other factors that can increase the possibility of suffering a stress fracture include:
- Starting an exercise program too quickly—The sudden jolt to your bones from starting a new exercise program can be enough to cause a stress fracture which is why you should always start off slowly and gradually to increase your strength and endurance without causing injury.
- Nutrient deficiencies—Your bones need calcium and vitamins for proper growth. Bones can become weakened from a lack of these vital nutrients which will increase the chances of developing a stress fracture.
- Arch support—People who have stiff arches or flat feet are more susceptible to stress fractures, so be certain to have any arch problems corrected with the help of your foot care professional.
The ephemeral pain that a stress fracture induces will increase during activity and subside when the stress and weight are removed from the foot. You may also experience bruising and swelling in the area of the pain.
Stress fractures can be hard to diagnose and treat properly and proper treatment is essential to ensure that the bone heals correctly and does not permanently degrade your foot mechanics. If you suspect that you may have suffered a stress fracture to your foot, enlisting the services of a skilled podiatrist will help you find the best solution. Schedule an appointment with the Foot First Podiatry Center in New Albany, IN. Our highly-qualified podiatrist Dr. Zahid Ladha is dedicated to providing the best diagnostic care and medical treatment for you and your feet. Contact us at (812) 945-9221 and schedule an appointment today!