Diagnosing a heel stress fracture can be challenging because early symptoms often resemble other causes of heel pain. A heel stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repeated force. Patients may have deep, aching pain that worsens with standing or walking and improves with rest. During an exam, a podiatrist checks for tenderness, swelling, and pain with pressure on the heel. Standard X-rays are often the first step, but they may appear normal in early stages. If pain continues, advanced imaging like an MRI can detect subtle bone injury and confirm the diagnosis. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, order appropriate imaging, and determine the severity of the heel stress fracture. Treatment plans include reducing pressure on the injured area with a walking boot or brace. This approach, along with footwear changes and careful monitoring, helps promote healing and prevent complications. If you have constant heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
