Do you suspect you have a stress fracture of your foot? Our proactive Adelaide podiatrists have decades of experience helping people of all ages by diagnosing and treating stress fractures of the foot.

What is a stress foot fracture?

When people think of a fracture, they tend to think of a broken bone caused by an acute injury like a sudden impact.

Stress fractures are different—they develop over a longer period from repeated stress, rather than resulting from a single event.

While the traumatic cause of an acute fracture is usually obvious, it is typically difficult to pinpoint the precise cause of a stress fracture. The ‘moment’ it occurs is often unclear but we often encounter them with large increases in activity or in middle-aged women who may have early osteoporosis.

Stress fractures present as low level pain initially but become much more painful over time.

Typically, we see them in the metatarsals or long bones of the foot.

Signs and symptoms of a stress fracture in the foot

• Dull or sharp pain that increases over time
• Pain that increases with activity, and decreases with rest
• Inflammation and swelling on top of the foot
• Inability to bear weight

Stress fracture of the foot treatment

Common treatment strategies include but are not limited to:

• Managing physical activity (by changing the type of exercise you do)
• Immobilising your foot by taping or using an air walker / ‘moon boot’
• Helping you select appropriate, supportive footwear
• Using custom orthotics in your shoes to offload pressure to the foot, reduce pain, and promote healing

With appropriate care, recovery can occur within six weeks and we can guide you back to doing what you love.

Early intervention makes all the difference—so if you think you may have a stress fracture in your foot, call our Adelaide podiatrists on 08 8338 0622 or book online to schedule an appointment today.