Stress Fracture

Gradually developing foot pain during exercise or daily activity could be a sign of a stress fracture. At Gaston Mike Liu LLC in Commack, New York, board-certified podiatrist Gaston Liu, DPM, treats these painful overuse foot fractures. While they’re most common among athletes and active individuals, they can happen to anyone who asks a lot of their feet. Understanding the signs of a stress fracture and seeking care early prevents the injury from worsening, so don’t hesitate to call the office or book an evaluation online if you’re in pain.

What’s a stress fracture?

Stress fractures are small cracks in your bones caused by repetitive pressure or overuse. Unlike a sudden fracture caused by trauma, stress fractures develop over time. 

When your muscles are fatigued from repeated activity, they don’t absorb shock as effectively. As a result, more stress transfers to your bones, which can eventually lead to tiny cracks.

Stress fractures typically occur in a foot’s weight-bearing bones, such as the metatarsals (the long bones in the middle of the foot). They’re often seen in runners, dancers, athletes, and individuals who suddenly increase their activity level.

You’re also at higher risk if you participate in high-impact sports, have certain foot structures like high arches or flat feet, or have weaker bones.

What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?

Symptoms often start gradually and may worsen over time if you continue the activity that causes the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Localized pain
• Pain that worsens when you’re active and improves with rest
• Swelling or tenderness around the affected bone
• Bruising (in some cases)
• Discomfort if you press on the injured area
• Pain that becomes more persistent

As the stress fracture worsens, the discomfort may begin to occur during normal walking or even while resting.

How are stress fractures treated?

Dr. Liu’s main goal is to reduce stress on the affected area to allow the bone to heal, and early treatment can help prevent the fracture from becoming more serious.

Your personalized plan may include:

• Resting and avoiding high-impact activities
• Protective footwear or a walking boot to reduce pressure
• Crutches to limit weight-bearing
• Ice therapy to ease swelling and discomfort
• Custom orthotics to support your foot and distribute pressure more evenly

Dr. Liu recommends gradually returning to activity once healing has progressed to help prevent reinjury.

How long does a stress fracture take to heal?

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal an overuse injury, but every fracture is unique, and returning to high-impact activities too soon can delay your healing or lead to a complete fracture. For that reason, it’s essential to follow Dr. Liu’s recovery instructions.

If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain that worsens with activity, schedule an appointment at Gaston Mike Liu LLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.