Foot - Stress Fracture in the Foot

What is a stress fracture of the foot?

A stress fracture can occur as a result of prolonged repeated loads on the legs. Long distance runners are susceptible to this type of injury. Symptoms include:

• Pain in the affected bone during exercise.
• Tenderness and swelling at a point on the bone.

A stress fracture in athletes occurs mainly in the lower leg and foot (in the calcaneus, navicular and metatarsal bones). A stress fracture of the 2nd or 3rd metatarsal bone is sometimes called a 'march fracture' because soldiers running in boots often get it!

What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?

• Pain in the forefoot which gets worse during activity?
• Pain in the forefoot, aggravated by running?
• Tenderness and swelling at a point on the bone?

Often an X-ray of the injured bone will not show any sign of fracture until the fracture has actually started to heal (2-3 weeks later). If a stress fracture is suspected then you should rest completely for 6-8 weeks. Crutches can be helpful.

What can the athlete do about it?

• See a sports Doctor for advice.
• Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary.
• For more information about rehabilitation of metatarsal stress fractures click here.

What a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor can do:

• X-ray the bone.
• Do a bone scan.
• Apply a plaster cast for 2 - 6 weeks if pain is severe.