About this topic
There are 5 bones in the middle of your foot. They are the metatarsal bones. One leads up to each toe. Stress fractures are common injuries to these bones. Muscles most often cushion these bones and act like shock absorbers. When the muscles are tired or overused, some of the shock gets transferred to the bone. Tiny cracks can happen. Most of the time, these will heal. Sometimes, these tiny cracks can grow larger. They may turn into a full break that goes all the way through the bone. The most common places in the foot to have stress fractures are the second and third metatarsals. ‚
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What are the causes?
Stress fractures are often caused by overuse or doing the same movements all the time. They may also be caused by adding to the amount of an activity too quickly. Running and playing sports on hard surfaces may also cause stress fractures. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have this problem if you: ‚
- Wear old shoes or ones that do not fit properly
- Are female, especially if you have irregular periods
- Have foot problems like flat feet, high arches, bunions, blisters, or tendonitis
- Use poor ways to train or have poor flexibility and strength
- Weigh too much or too little or have an eating disorder
- Have weak bones
- Have had a stress fracture
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the foot that is worse with activity and better with rest. Pain slowing get worse.
- Tenderness on the bone
- Swelling
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around your foot. The doctor may have you stand or put pressure on the area that is bothering you. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Keeping the injured foot raised
- Inserts for your shoes. These are foot orthotics.
- Walking boot or braces
- Sometimes, a cast is used on a stress fracture to the fifth metatarsal
- Using crutches or walker to take pressure off an injured leg
- Exercises
- Surgery if the stress fracture does not heal
Are there other health problems to treat?
If there is an underlying problem that is putting you at risk for a stress fracture, that problem should also be treated. These problems may include osteoporosis, eating disorders, and poor nutrition. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
What problems could happen?
- Trouble healing
- Trouble moving the foot
- Trouble fitting into shoes
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Foot deformity
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Always wear proper equipment and footwear when running or playing sports. Replace old shoes often.
- Wear shoes with good support. Consider wearing arch supports if you have flat feet.
- If you are a runner, change your shoes after 350 to 500 miles.
- Avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces.
- Try swimming, biking, or walking instead of running to lessen the impact on your feet. If you like to run, try cross training or alternating running with these other activities on different days.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00379 ‚
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/metatarsal-fractures.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚