Overuse of the Foot: The Most Common Culprit
Overuse and reputation are the primary cause of stress fractures in feet. Activities featuring heavy running—such as soccer, track, football, and basketball—all present high risks for stress fractures. The repetitive stress of long-term running, quick movements and awkward impacts create microscopic cracks in the bone that worsen as the intensity increases. Athletes or those who run more than the average person are at higher risk, as frequent trauma to the area doesn’t allow the cracks to properly heal.
Exercise and Physical Activity Can Cause Stress Fractures
Preparing your body for new workout regimens or increased levels of activity is imperative for avoiding stress fractures and other foot pains. When you start working out, be sure to take it slow, otherwise, you are priming yourself for injury.
Trying a new exercise exposes your foot to unfamiliar movements that have not been prepared for, which can result in a fracture. Even doing your same workout routine with increased activity can potentially cause injury. Try to avoid rapidly changing any pressure to your feet, which can happen when you change terrain, use improper technique, and increase intensity when exercising.
Weak Bones, Osteoporosis are Risk Factors for Foot Fracture
Osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and other bone-weakening diseases make the individual more susceptible to stress fractures in the feet. When your bones are weak they are damaged at higher rates than they are able to repair. This causes bone fatigue and greatly improves your chances of developing stress fractures in your feet. The repetitive stress of seemingly minute tasks such as walking can damage your feet enough to cause a fracture.
What Are The Signs of a Stress Fracture on The Foot?
Stress fractures can have a multitude of symptoms, the most common include:
- Pain that is not apparent during resting periods.
- Pain that is amplified during physical activities and/or day-to-day tasks.
- Bruising along and outside of the fracture.
- Tenderness at the site of the fracture that is sore to the touch.
- Swelling at the location of the fracture that persists when walking.
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of stress fractures in your feet, schedule an appointment with Kansas City Foot Specialists, or give us a call to set up an appointment to work toward relieving your pain today!
