Stress fractures are very common in the feet, especially when they are exposed to repeated yet sudden movements involving pressure and strong force.

One would normally think of a bone fracture as a bone that is totally broken into two pieces or broken from multiple places. However, stress fractures are different though equally painful, i.e. they are hairline fractures in the bone.

How can you detect if you are suffering from a stress fracture? Here are a few indications:

• Feeling pain while walking or engaging in any physical activity.
• The pain may diminish or disappear while resting.
• Swelling on top of your feet.
• Bruising or discoloration.
• Feeling pain in only particular areas of your foot.
• Soreness while touching the injured area or over-sensitivity.

Precaution is better than cure; therefore a few helpful tips to look after your feet can save you from stress fractures:

• Select your shoes wisely – wrong shoes can become a nightmare for the feet. Wear proper shoes that will support your foot and save it from abnormal or frequent shocks.
• Compression and bandaging can reduce inflammation and swelling. Ice is also effective to lessen the swelling caused by stress fractures.
• Resting and giving yourself ample breaks in between tough physical exertions will also help your feet to recover and recuperate.
• Most importantly, consult a foot care specialist any time you experience pain or discomfort. In severe and untreated cases, you may need to undergo surgery to keep your bones in place for you to carry on with your normal activities.

At Joseph Stuto, DPM, our foot care specialist Dr. Joseph Stuto is equipped to take care of all your foot and ankle related issues especially feet stress fractures. For a thorough examination, diagnosis and treatment, visit our offices in Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights, New York or call us at (718) 567-1403 or (718) 624-7537 to schedule an appointment today. For more information on foot health, foot disorders, diagnosis, and treatment, you can browse throughout an extensive patient library.