A metatarsal stress fracture is a tiny crack in one of the five metatarsal bones of the foot, which can potentially cause pain, bruising, and swelling. This can occur due to high impact, weight bearing activities putting excess stress on the bone. People who rapidly increase the duration, intensity, or amount of physical activity that they do, suddenly change playing surfaces or the terrain that they exercise on, or exercise often and without taking enough time to rest and recover, are at an increased risk of developing a metatarsal stress fracture. People who have weak or inflexible muscles, flat feet, high arches, low bone density, or a family history of bone problems are also at an increased risk. If you suspect that you may have a metatarsal stress fracture, please consult with a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.