![]() After the fracture is healed, special attention should be paid to using a well-padded insole or a functional orthotic in the shoes to reduce the stress in this area. Typical healing times range from 4 to 8 weeks. Occasionally a short leg walking cast may be applied for a short period of time. Frequently a post-operative type shoe or cam-walker is used to prevent you from pushing off the ball of your foot, thus eliminating any additional stress while the bone is healing. Sometimes a compression bandage is applied to help reduce the swelling. Treatment for a metatarsal stress fracture usually consists of rest, elevation, and ice initially. After several weeks, an x-ray will show the signs of new bone healing in the area of the stress fracture. ![]() Often times the diagnosis can be made based upon clinical findings, thus making the bone scan unnecessary. The decision to order a bone scan will be up to your doctor. A bone scan at this stage will be much more sensitive in diagnosing the early stress fracture. X-rays taken during the first two to three weeks after the injury often will not show any fracture. Pressing on the bones in this area of the foot will reproduce the pain. Stress fractures can occur during sports activities, in overweight individuals, or in those with weakened bones such as osteoporosis.Ī typical presentation for someone with a metatarsal stress fracture would be pain and swelling in the ball of the foot, which is most severe in the push off phase of walking. These fractures were at one time referred to as "March Fractures" in soldiers, who developed foot pain after long periods of marching. Frequently, the injury is so subtle that you may not recall any specific occurrence. This occurs most frequently to the second, third, or fourth metatarsal but can occur in any bone. When excessive stress is placed upon the ball of the foot, a hairline break (fracture) of a long metatarsal bone may occur. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.Conditions We Treat Metatarsal Stress Fracture ![]() If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional 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. Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures.Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures.Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet. Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. If you have foot pain and feel it may be a stress fracture, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can diagnose and treat this condition. Mild stretches may accelerate the healing process, which may be beneficial in strengthening the overall foot. This typically takes approximately six weeks, and is further evaluated to see if additional treatment is needed. Relief may be found when a boot is worn, and this may provide adequate support as the healing process occurs. Common symptoms that many patients notice include swelling at the end of the day, and it is difficult to walk as the fracture gets worse. It generally develops gradually, and many people tend to ignore the pain and discomfort that often accompanies this type of injury. It occurs when the bones become fatigued, and cannot support the shock that comes from activity. It can happen in the foot, and is often the result of participating in running and jumping activities. A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture.
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