A stress fracture is considered to be an overuse injury of the bone. For people that are putting a lot of stress on their feet from standing on a daily basis, this can cause small cracks to form on the bone due to the amount of pressure being put on them. This will usually cause a stress fracture. They can occur in the feet on the metatarsal bones, the navicular bone and the calcaneus which is also known as the heel bone. Some causes are muscle weakness or fatigue, weak bones and improper muscle or bone alignment. Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain during exercise, pain while trying to sleep and swelling or tenderness at the site of injury. If you are dealing with persistent foot pain and it has the signs of a stress fracture, it is advised that you visit a podiatrist as soon as you can. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.