What is a Stress Fracture?

Stress fracture is an overuse injury that can usually occur in the bones of the forefoot. Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks that can occur in the bones of the foot.

Causes

Stress fractures can happen in the sudden increases in exercise such as running or walking for longer distance or times, hiking, improper shoes, improper training techniques or a change in surfaces, flat foot, even osteoporosis or other foot deformities.

Symptoms

• Pain and redness
• Swelling and bruising

Diagnosis

Your foot doctor will take a thorough history and perform detailed examination of your foot. You may require CT scan, Bone scan and or an MRI since stress fracture do not show up on an x-ray right away.