Metatarsal stress fractures, affecting the long bones in the foot, can vary in severity and type. Stress fractures, common in athletes and runners, result from repetitive impact or overuse, causing tiny cracks in the bone. These types of fractures typically develop gradually, causing pain, tenderness, and swelling that worsen with activity. Overuse, such as prolonged walking or running on hard surfaces without adequate rest, increases the risk of foot stress fractures. Proper diagnosis through imaging and treatment, including rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery, is essential for recovery and preventing long-term complications associated with metatarsal fractures. If you have foot pain and believe you may have a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this type of foot injury.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City, UT and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.