Tiny Cracks in Your Foot Bone Explained

Did you know that if you get a tiny crack in one of the bones in your foot, it is called a stress fracture?

Causes of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures occur due to an increase in activity. This could be increasing the frequency of your activity by exercising more than normal or increasing your duration or intensity of physical activity. While they most often occur in athletes, even someone who doesn't do much physical activity on a day-to-day basis but increases that suddenly for things, such as walking while on vacation or switching to a more physically demanding job, can cause stress fractures.

Symptoms

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may be dealing with a stress fracture:

• Discomfort or pain during physical activity in a specific spot on your foot

• Aching in your foot while lying in bed at night

• Swelling and bruising near the stress fracture area on your foot

Treatment

Treatment for stress fractures varies based on location and severity. Some easier, at-home remedies your doctor may recommend are:

• Rest: stopping the activities causing you pain

• Relieve Pressure from Foot: using a hard-sole shoe, a boot, or crutches to take weight off of the impacted area

If these easier treatment options are not enough, your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend surgery. Surgery includes inserting pins, screws, plates or rods into your foot to support the cracked bone.

Expert Care

Our Foot and Ankle providers understand that dealing with stress fractures can set you back.

"We recommend coming in early if you notice any symptoms of a stress fracture, as it can get worse with time. We will prioritize getting you back to your sport or life as quickly and safely as possible," said Dr. Zackary Gangwer, Faith Regional Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

Call (402) 844-8366 to schedule an appointment today.

Sources: Dr. Zackary Gangwer, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons