My son plays a lot of sports and I am concerned about the wear and tear on his feet. He recently experienced a stress fracture, and he seems to want to ignore it. What is the best treatment?
People who engage in high impact aerobic exercise or sports are certainly at risk for stress fractures and other foot injuries.
Stress fractures 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 mildly pronoted (flattened) foot in normal conditions would not develop and a stress fracture, but a runner with a mildly pronated foot could very easily sustain a stress fracture by repetitive usage on an altered biomechanical foot.
Stress fractures usually take time to develop and the symptoms are pain, redness and swelling. X-rays are usually only positive after about three weeks of symptoms. In some cases, a bone scan is necessary to make the diagnosis.
Treatment for a stress fracture like most conditions of the foot requires immobilization, ice compression. Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary. Athletes should see a podiatrists for advice.
Orthotics are the best treatment for long-term control of stress fractures. Immediate control would consist of a cast boot.
When the athlete does start back running they must ensure the muscles in the lower leg are stretched and supple. Many people start back running and complain of pain because they have let their muscles get hard and tight particularly in the lower leg.
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at:
440-946-5858 or visit our website: www.DrRobertRosenstein.com
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