A stress fracture is a small crack, or substantial bruising within a bone. The majority of stress fractures are caused by repetitive and overworking activities such as running. They can also occur from a change in activity, like a new workout that is higher in intensity than one is used to. The bones in the foot and ankle that bear the most weight are the most vulnerable to stress fractures. In the foot, stress fractures will most often occur in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. This is a frequent location for a stress fracture, because it is the area of greatest impact on the foot when a person pushes off to walk or run. In the ankle, it is most often found in the fibula, which is the outer bone on the lower part of the leg. Some common symptoms of a stress fracture are bruising, swelling, pain during normal activities and tenderness at the spot of fracture. It is vital to visit your podiatrist as soon as possible if you think that you may have a stress fracture. Ignoring the pain will lead to more dire issues such as a complete break of the bone.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley 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 Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.