STRESS FRACTURES OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE

A stress fracture is an overuse injury. When muscles are overtired, they are no longer able to lessen the shock of repeated impacts. When this happens, the muscles transfer the stress to the bones. This can create small cracks or fractures.

The most common sites of stress fractures are the second and third metatarsals of the foot. Stress fractures are also common in the heel (calcaneus), the outer bone of the lower leg (fibula), and the navicular, a bone on the top of the midfoot. 

TREATMENT

Treatment will vary depending on the location of your stress fracture and its severity. The goal of any treatment is to help you return to all the activities you enjoy. Following your doctor's treatment plan will restore your abilities faster, and help you prevent further problems in the future. Casting can protect the bone while it heals. Also, if forces patients to take a break from the activity that caused the stress fracture. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for a stress fracture to heal. Some stress fractures require surgery to heal properly. In most cases, this involves supporting the bones by inserting a type of fastener. This is called internal fixation. Pins, screws, and/or plates are most often used to hold the small bones of the foot and ankle together during the healing process. 

To find out more information on Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, please visit the Orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.