STRESS FRACTURES
Stress fractures are usually the result of altered biomechanics. The bones of the foot are subjected to repetitive micro trauma rather than blunt force or injury.
A mildly pronated foot (flat foot) in normal conditions usually will not develop a stress fracture. A runner with a mildly pronated foot could very easily sustain a stress fracture by repetitive usage. Stress fractures usually take time to develop and the symptoms are pain, redness and swelling.
X-rays are usually only positive after about two weeks of symptoms. This is because the fracture is a hair-line fracture. The two pieces of bone are not displaced, so the fracture is not visible until the healing process dissolves the bone edges to fill it in with new bone. In some cases, a bone scan is necessary to make the diagnosis.
The most common place to develop a stress fracture is in the metatarsals. Metatarsals are the long bones on the top of the foot. The second metatarsal is the most likely of the metatarsals to have a stress fracture.
Immediate control would consist of a cast boot. Treatment for this condition, like most conditions of the foot, requires immobilization, ice and compression. Orthotics are the best treatment for long-term control of stress fractures.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call today for an appointment.