Stress fractures are fine cracks that can develop over time from repeated, excessive pressure to the foot. Runners, athletes, and dancers frequently experience stress fractures to their feet, ankles, and toes. Playing sports like basketball and football that requires a lot of running and jumping with fast stops and starts will increase the chances of developing a stress fracture.

Stress fractures can mimic other conditions and have intermittent symptoms that can be difficult to trace and treat without the help of your podiatrist.

Treatment for stress fractures depends upon the severity and may include the following:

• Immobilize the foot—The ideal method for healing a stress fracture is to immobilize the foot to make sure the injury has completely healed before stressing the foot again. A specially made rigid boot or a cast may be required during the initial healing phase that may take from four to ten weeks or more.
• Gradual reintroduction of activities—After the initial healing period is done, you have to slowly increase your activity level to prevent the fracture from reoccurring.
• Surgery in the more severe cases—To hold the bone together while it heals, screws and other hardware may need to be surgically attached.

If you are experiencing intermittent pain in your foot, ankle, or toes, then you may have a stress fracture, so be sure to see your podiatrist for the proper care. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.