Foot pain is common, so common that you may be tempted to ignore it — until it gets worse.
A survey by KURU footwear claims that 81% of women, men, and kids in the United States experience some kind of foot pain. Foot pain is often related to obvious and easily remedied factors, including shoes that are too tight or an injury such as a stubbed toe.
But some foot pain — including a stubbed toe — may go deeper than that. If you have chronic foot pain, it’s possible that you’ve developed a stress fracture in one or more of the 26 bones in your foot. That’s a lot of bones: Each foot comprises about one quarter of all the bones you have in your body.
At Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, determine the cause or causes of your foot pain with an examination and imaging studies. If you have a stress fracture, they treat it in the comfort of our Houston, Texas-area offices.
Could your foot pain be related to a stress fracture? Here’s how and why a fracture may be the cause of your foot pain.
If you use your feet frequently and perform the same moves over and over, you’re at risk for a stress fracture. Repetitive motions put you at risk for these fractures, which are hairline breaks that don’t have outwardly visible signs. These small cracks cause pain but don’t displace your bones.
If you run or do track, you’re at increased risk for a stress fracture, even if you only run part-time. If your job includes a lot of time on your feet, you may also develop a stress fracture, particularly if you’re obese or overweight.
Whether or not you have a stress fracture, warming up your feet before you use them can help keep them safe. Do gentle stretches and ankle rolls before running, jumping, or standing for long periods.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which your body doesn’t create enough healthy new bone cells to replace those that have worn out or died. You’re more likely to develop osteoporosis if you’re over 50, but other conditions — including steroid use — may put you at risk for it.
Osteoporosis makes your bones more brittle and less flexible. Even if you’re not active, that could put them at risk for breakage. If you are active, that risk increases.
Hairline fractures are often called stress fractures because any kind of extreme stress can cause your bones to develop cracks. The heavier you are, the more pressure is exerted against your feet, even if you’re not particularly active.
Pain isn’t the only symptom of a stress fracture. You might also notice:
Unfortunately, symptoms alone aren’t enough to diagnose a stress fracture. The only way to know for sure is to consult get an X-ray or other imaging study.
Untreated stress fractures tend to get worse, putting your feet at risk for more pain and disability. Most of the time, simply wearing a boot or brace, modifying your activities, and undergoing physical therapy can help your stress fracture heal. Surgery is rarely used to treat stress fractures.
Do you have foot pain, but don’t know why? Find out if you have a stress fracture and get the treatment you need by calling our office nearest you or booking an appointment online today.
We service Greater Heights, Pearland Market, League City, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Rosharen, Alvin, Fresno, Missouri City, Arcola, Friendswood, South Houston, Kingwood Market, Humble, New Chaney, Atasciacita, and Northeast Houston, Texas.
