Stress Fractures: A Pain in the Foot

What is that pain you are feeling in the middle of your foot? It could be a stress fracture. One of the more common problems that runners, especially newbie runners, experience is stress fractures. They are due to the repetitive nature of the exercise and the constant pounding of your feet against the ground. As you hit the ground all of the force from your body is pushed back into your foot and it cause a small fracture line to form in your foot.

So, what can you do for these fractures? If it is bad enough, you will need to be in an off weight bearing shoe that allows pressure to be removed from that area of your foot. If it is mild, then you will just need to rest. By elevating your foot to reduce swelling, icing your foot and taking some time off from running your fracture should heal with no problem.

Fractures are unique to each individual though, because different people heal at different rates. With this in mind, you could be feeling great in a week or two, or it could take you a couple months. It is all dependent on the severity and your body’s healing rate. Some things that can slow the healing down include smoking, continuing to run on it and if you have poor nutrition.

So, if you or someone you know has pain in their foot and you have just started working out again, you should seek help from your podiatrist. People who have just begun a new workout routine are at risk for many injuries and you need a full workup including x-rays to assess the extent of your injury. If you live in the Tewksbury or North Reading, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your injury. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.