Foot pain is easy to brush off, especially if it starts as a dull ache that comes and goes. Many people assume it’s just soreness from overuse or an uncomfortable pair of shoes.
But when that pain is caused by a stress fracture, ignoring it can lead to serious complications and a much longer recovery. Here, our expert team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center explains what happens when you ignore a stress fracture.
When you hear the word “fracture,” you might imagine a single traumatic injury. However, stress fractures aren’t connected to a single impact or accident. Instead, a stress fracture is a tiny crack in your bone caused by repetitive force or overuse. These fractures account for 20% of all sports injuries.
Stress fractures can happen in other parts of your body, but when they form in your foot, they most commonly affect the metatarsal bones, heel, or midfoot. Metatarsal stress fractures account for 9% of stress fractures in athletes, especially dancers.
Stress fractures often develop gradually and may start with mild pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, which makes them easy to ignore at first.
Stress fractures don’t heal without rest and support. Continuing to walk, run, dance, or exercise on an injured foot can worsen the crack.
If left untreated, a stress fracture can:
To sum it up: What starts as a small crack can become a major setback if left unchecked. In fact, stress fractures tend to escalate quickly, often within a two- to three-week window.
You shouldn’t ignore any type of foot pain, but you may be curious if your symptoms hint at a stress fracture. Stress fractures don’t always cause sudden pain, but there are warning signs to watch for:
If these symptoms persist, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center.
When you meet with our team, we talk through your symptoms, including when the pain started, what makes it worse, and how it’s affecting your day. We take X-rays to look for signs of a stress fracture or other issues that could be causing your pain.
In some cases, very early stress fractures don’t always show up right away, so we may also look at your symptoms and exam findings to guide next steps. Then we recommend a treatment plan to protect your foot and help it heal properly.
Stress fracture treatment depends on where the fracture is and how severe it is, but catching it early usually means a smoother, faster recovery. Trying to push through the pain often leads to longer recovery times or more serious injury.
Your treatment plan may include:
Once your foot has healed, you can take steps to help prevent future stress fractures. This includes cross-training, gradually increasing activity, wearing supportive footwear, and giving your body enough time to rest and recover between workouts.
Concerned about foot pain or a possible stress fracture? Schedule an appointment with Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center for expert evaluation and stress fracture treatment. Call 303-423-2520 or use our online booking to see our team in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Thornton, Evergreen, or South Granby, Colorado.
