Signs You May Have a Stress Fracture

You might not notice a stress fracture right away. These tiny cracks in your bones tend to happen after you’ve recently stepped up your activity level, often as a result of transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to more physical stress. 

You might write your pain or discomfort off as just post-workout aches. But eventually, nagging signs of an underlying stress fracture start to make themselves known, including potential foot pain or ankle pain. 

If you suspect a potential stress fracture, don’t ignore the problem. Bone breaks and stress fractures end with better outcomes when a medical professional examines them and properly treats them.

Instead of waiting for your pain to worsen and risking long-term complications, see our expert care team at Town Center Foot & Ankle. Podiatric physician and surgeon Stephen Eichelsdorfer, DPM, provides support to our patients who suffer from stress fractures, including foot fractures.

When you risk a stress fracture

Several factors can make you prone to stress fractures. If you have a condition like osteoporosis, existing weaknesses in your bones can lead to easier fracturing. Dietary deficiencies can increase your risk of stress fractures, as well.

But the most common cause of stress fractures is right there in the name: physical stress. When you increase your activity level or weight-bearing actions, you put more pressure on the bones in your lower legs and feet. 

Running and jumping are common culprits leading to stress fractures.

If your bones aren’t strong enough to stand up to the strain, you could develop stress fractures. By changing your exercise levels and lifestyle gradually, you allow your bones to adapt naturally. Without the extra time to grow stronger bones, you risk stress fractures.

When to see a doctor

If you have a stress fracture, you notice pain that tends to get worse over time, often located in a specific area. Your pain decreases when you rest, but doesn’t go away over the course of days or weeks. 

You could also see swelling around the affected area. If your pain doesn’t improve even at night, you most probably have a stress fracture.

If a stress fracture doesn’t heal properly, you could find yourself facing chronic foot or pain issues. You’re also more likely to suffer from another stress fracture after a badly healed stress injury.

Don’t wait for your potential stress fracture to worsen or complications to develop that could damage your leg and foot bones. 

If you think you could have a stress fracture, make an appointment with us at Town Center Foot & Ankle, located in Kingwood and Atascocita, Texas. Contact us today by phone or use our online tool to request an appointment.