Quick Answer: How To Tell If Foot Pain Is Stress Fracture?

Can you walk with a stress fracture in the foot?

Doctors do not recommend walking when you have a stress fracture because it may reopen the partially healed fracture, and you may have to begin the recovery process again. Although you can walk, doctors would recommend staying away from hard surfaces and not walking long distances.

How can you tell if you have a stress fracture in your foot?

Symptoms of a Foot Stress Fracture

• Tenderness. The injured bone may feel painful or sore when touched; this is called “pinpoint pain”.
• Deep, dull pain. The pain may be felt deep within the foot or toes.
• Weakness.
• Intermittent pain.
• Swelling.
• Changes in biomechanics.
• Sharp, localized pain.
• Bruising.

Do stress fractures hurt when you press on them?

A stress fracture typically feels like an aching or burning localized pain somewhere along a bone. Usually, it will hurt to press on it, and the pain will get progressively worse as you run on it, eventually hurting while walking or even when you ‘re not putting any weight on it at all.

How do you detect a stress fracture?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is considered the best way to diagnose stress fractures. It can visualize lower grade stress injuries ( stress reactions) before an X-ray shows changes. This type of test is also better able to distinguish between stress fractures and soft tissue injuries.

What happens if a stress fracture is left untreated?

If left untreated, stress fractures tend to increase in severity until the pain becomes disabling. Over time, an untreated stress fracture can put you at risk of suffering a fracture in the affected bone.

What is the fastest way to heal a stress fracture?

How to Heal Quickly from a Stress Fracture?

1. Apply ice and take pain medications to control symptoms.
2. Use a cast or splint to protect the stress fracture site.
3. Start partial weight bearing only when pain free.
4. Increase your activity to avoid recurrence of fracture.

Can you self diagnose a stress fracture?

Upon suspecting you have a stress fracture, treat the area with ice and take a recommended dose of anti-inflammatories, but keep in mind that stress fractures are not a self – diagnosis or self -treatment type of injury.

When should I see a doctor for foot pain?

Seek immediate medical attention if you: Have severe pain or swelling. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C) Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

Should I get an xray for a stress fracture?

Doctors often use X-rays to diagnose fractures, but many early stress fractures are too small to appear on an X-ray. If an X-ray looks normal but symptoms suggest the presence of a stress fracture, your doctor may recommend another imaging test, such as an MRI scan.

Do stress fractures hurt more at night?

What are the symptoms of a stress fracture? Pain is usually felt over the injured area and tends to develop over a few weeks. It is typically worse when putting weight on the injured area and better when resting. As it gets worse, the pain can start to be present when at rest and at night.

Do stress fractures hurt all the time?

At first, you might barely notice the pain associated with a stress fracture, but it tends to worsen with time. The tenderness usually starts at a specific spot and decreases during rest. You might have swelling around the painful area.

How can you tell the difference between a stress fracture and tendonitis?

If it subsides somewhat with activity and gets worse when you rest, it’s more likely to be extensor tendonitis. If your foot hurts more when you’re bearing weight on it and feels better when you rest, a stress fracture is more likely the cause.

Can I have a stress fracture without swelling?

If one continues to run despite the pain, eventually it can become unbearable to run or even put any weight on the foot. Diagnosis of a stress fracture can be challenging, as there is often no exterior manifestation of the injury. There might be a small amount of swelling, but there is never any bruising.

What should I do if I think I have a stress fracture?

If you think you have a stress fracture, the first thing to do is rest. Stop any activities which may be contributing to the injury. Schedule an appointment and see your doctor. It’s important to follow the treatment guidelines he or she gives you to prevent further injury.

Does a stress fracture need a cast?

Sometimes a stress fracture will need a cast, splint, or brace. Rarely, surgery is needed. If you have pain from a stress fracture, you can: Place a cold compress or ice wrapped in a towel on the area for about 15 minutes three times a day.