Foot stress fractures occur when repeated stress or impact overwhelms the foot's bones, often from activities like running or jumping. A sudden increase in exercise intensity, duration, or frequency can place excessive strain on the bones, particularly if the body has not adjusted to the added workload. Changes in surface, such as moving from a soft running track to a hard sidewalk, may also trigger stress fractures. Wearing ill-fitting footwear that lacks proper support and cushioning can lead to uneven pressure distribution. Biomechanical issues, including bunions or improper gait, may force certain areas of the feet to bear more weight, which adds to the stress. Athletes, especially those involved in high-impact sports, are particularly vulnerable, but non-athletes engaging in prolonged walking or standing on hard or uneven surfaces can also develop stress fractures. A podiatrist can diagnose the injured foot using digital imaging and develop a treatment plan. If you experience foot pain after running, playing a sport or exercising, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out whether you may have developed stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.