A stress fracture is caused by a bone being subjected to repeated actions, which can cause serious injury to the bone over time. Stress fractures are common in the feet and ankles. With repetitive foot actions, particularly common among athletes, the body is unable to send enough calcium to the stressed bone, and cracks might develop in the bone over time. Stress fractures might be hard to notice at first because they occur gradually, but one might notice chronic pain or night aches that do not go away after rest. The area affected might feel tender, weak, numb, and become bruised or swollen. It look deformed in some way at the site of the stress fracture, and it be hard to bear weight or move normally. If you feel this type of pain in your foot or ankle, especially if you feel a tingling or pins and needles feeling at the site of injury, see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.