Foot Stress Fracture Treatment

Stress fractures of the foot are hairline cracks in the bone that develop through overuse, misuse or as part of an ongoing degenerative process. They most commonly occur in the metatarsals, which are bones connecting the toes to the middle of the foot, but may also be found in the heel, ankle (talus) or in a bone in the midfoot known as the navicular. Treatment options for stress fracture vary with the location and severity of the injury.

Self-care prior to a Doctor's Appointment

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, potential symptoms of a developing stress fracture include pain in your foot during everyday physical activities, pain that increases when you place weight on your foot and decreases when you rest, swelling and tenderness on the top of your foot, and bruising. If you experience any of these signs, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Prior to your appointment, you may take a number of steps to reduce your discomfort and chances of further injury. First, discontinue any exercise or sports activities and rest your foot as much as possible. If you can, keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart, and apply ice packs at 20-minute maximum intervals. Make sure to keep any ice away from direct contact with your skin. You may temporarily address any pain or inflammation through the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Activity Modifications

• If your doctor makes a stress fracture diagnosis, he likely will begin treatment with the most conservative method that provides relief and healing. Central to this approach is continued rest of your foot. If you are an athlete, or are otherwise physically vigorous, you may seek out alternative activities that do not add to the strain on your foot. Options include swimming and cycling. Typically, you will need to follow this modified exercise regimen for anywhere from two to eight weeks.

Footwear Modifications and Casts

• To protect your foot during healing, your doctor may suggest the use of specially modified footwear such as wooden- or stiff-soled shoes or sandals. He may also place a temporary fracture brace inside your shoe. If you injure your fifth metatarsal, talus or navicular bones, your healing time may increase substantially. To provide proper protection during this process, your doctor may put your foot and ankle in a cast. If this is the case, you will also need to use crutches or a cane to keep your weight off your affected leg.

Surgery

• In some cases, surgery may be needed to properly repair a stress fracture. If this is true for you, your surgeon will use internal screws, pins or plates to immobilize your fractured bone during the healing process.

Recovery

• Proper recovery is a significant part of stress fracture treatment. As you heal, your doctor will provide you with guidelines for a return to activity. It is vitally important that you follow these guidelines, and do not place undue strain on your foot ahead of schedule. Re-injury is a significant risk, and can lead to permanent pain or dysfunction.