Stress fracture in the foot

Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Stress. Photo: Aaos.org

Stress fracture in the foot
A stress fracture (also known as a fatigue fracture or stress fracture) in the foot does not occur due to a sudden error load, but rather due to overload over a long period of time. An example is a person who has not jogged much before, but who suddenly starts jogging regularly on hard surfaces - usually asphalt. The frequent jogging on hard surfaces means that the leg in the foot does not have time to recover between each session, and eventually an incomplete fracture will occur in the foot. A stress break can also occur from standing on your feet a lot, with a heavy load from top to bottom.



- Where in the foot is it most common to get a stress fracture?

The most common anatomical sites are in the heel (calcaneus), ankle bone (talus), boat leg (navicularis) and middle foot (metatarsal). If the stress fracture occurs in the metatarsal, then naming depends on which metatarsal it sits in. Stress fractures in the 5th metatarsal (outside, middle of the foot) are called Jones fracture, while stress fractures in the 3rd metatarsal are called march fractures. The latter is called this as it often occurs in the context of biomechanical overload seen in marching, for example in military service.

- How is stress diagnosis diagnosed?

In case of sudden, isolated pain in a single place in the foot - which is worse when straining, the suspicion of stress fracture or fatigue fracture increases. The fracture is confirmed by using vibration testing and imaging, either by X-ray or MRI.

- Treatment of fatigue violations?

Priority is a stress fracture in the foot relief. This is to give the area the rest it needs to heal itself. If you continue to load the area on an excessive area, the leg will not have a chance to rebuild, and the whole thing can develop into a vicious circle. During the first week, it may be relevant to use crutches to relieve the area - possibly it is advisable to use small orthopedic adapted pillows in the footwear to provide relief. The footwear should also have good cushioning to reduce the biomechanical forces that go through the injured leg.

- What can happen if I do not care about the stress break?

If the stress fracture is not taken seriously, an infection can occur in the region over time. This can lead to serious medical consequences.

- Supplements: Is there anything I can eat to promote healing?

Calcium and vitamin D occur naturally in bone structure, so you may want to think about getting enough of this. NSAIDS painkillers can help slow down the natural healing of the injury.

Picture: X-ray of stress fractures in the foot

X-ray of stress fractures in the foot

In the picture we see a stress fracture from which x-rays have been taken. In the first X-ray image there are no visible findings, but characteristic enough, there are callus formations after 4 weeks on the new x-ray.

CT of fatigue fracture / stress fracture

CT examination - explanation of the image: Here we see a picture of a grade 4 stress fracture in the navicularis leg of the foot.

MRI of fatigue fracture / stress fracture

MRI examination - explanation of the image: In the photo we see a classic presentation on stress fracture in the metatarsal room.

- How to get faster healing?

We also strongly recommend that you use compression sock to increase blood circulation to your injured foot:

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Compression sock

This compression sock is specially made to give pressure to the right points for foot problems. Compression socks can contribute to increased blood circulation and increased healing in those who suffer from reduced function in the feet - which can reduce how long it takes for your feet to normalize again.

Click the image above to read more about these socks.

Related article: - 4 good exercises against plantar fasciitis!

Most shared right now: - New Alzheimer's treatment can restore full memory function!

Other frequently asked questions:

Q: Can you have a fatigue break in the tibia of tuberosity?

Answer: A stress fracture in the tuberosity of the tibia is extremely uncommon. The most common injuries that occur in this area are Osgood schlatter's and infrapatellar bursitis (knee mucositis) - avulsion fractures can occur among younger people, then due to extreme contraction of the knee extensors (knee extensors) which simply tear off a small bone fragment in the tuberositas tibia. In the picture below you can see where the tuberosity of the tibia is located (in English called tuberosity of the tibia).

Tibial tuberculosis - Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Q: Diagnosis of fatigue fracture MRI? Is it possible to diagnose fatigue fractures using MRI examination?

Answer: Yes. MRI is the imaging assessment that is most accurate when it comes to diagnosing fatigue fractures - CT can be just as effective, but the reason why one prefers the use of MRI is that the latter has no radiation. MRI examinations can in certain cases see fatigue fractures / stress fractures that are not visible on the X-ray yet.

Q: How should you do it when exercising after a foot injury?

Answer: The most important thing at the beginning is to give the affected area enough rest so that healing can take place in the best possible way. Then there is a gradual increase that applies when it comes to the amount of exercise. A musculoskeletal expert (e.g. physical therapist or chiropractor) can give you the advice you need for optimal healing. In some cases it may be necessary footrest or even crutches to ensure sufficient relief of the area.

In this: - Sore foot? You should know this!

Follow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

(Follow and comment if you want us to make a video with specific exercises or elaborations for exactly YOUR issues)

Follow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

(We try to respond to all messages and questions within 24-48 hours. We can also help you interpret MRI responses and the like.)