Have you ever noticed an increasing pain in your foot that worsens over time? While it may only be a minor nuisance, it can mean that you’re dealing with a more serious orthopedic condition: a stress fracture. This issue can grow to be debilitating, especially during physical activity. Learn the causes, symptoms, and when to see an orthopedist for an assessment and diagnosis in the guide below.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur in the foot and are the result of strenuous activity like running on hard surfaces. Over time, the muscles in your feet weaken, and shock eventually bypasses them to break bones.

Common causes include rapid increases in activity, such as suddenly changing from a jogging regimen to sprinting, wearing shoes that don’t offer proper support, or switching your exercises to a different surface, such as from asphalt to soil. You may also be more susceptible if you have flat feet or high arches, calcium deficiencies, or weakened bones from osteoporosis.

What Are the Symptoms?

These injuries can go untreated for some time because the pain may initially be minimal. It may just feel like fatigue after a rigorous workout. Over time, however, it will worsen and occur in a specific spot on the foot. The pain will be more intense while active, and it’s common to experience swelling around the area. Even minor pain should never go unaddressed, so consult with an orthopedist at the first sign of symptoms.

How Do You Prevent Them?

If you’re regularly involved in sports or intense exercises, it’s always helpful to discuss injury prevention with an orthopedist. For stress fractures specifically, always ease into any new workouts or changes in your regimen. Varying your training program, such as supplementing time on the treadmill with lower impact cardio like swimming, will also reduce repeated stress. Always wear the proper footwear and eat a balanced diet to keep your bones healthy.

If you’re dealing with foot issues, the orthopedic doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health can help. Led by Dr. Elizabeth M. Ignacio, MD, and Dr. Nicole Yukiko Gesik, DO, this Honolulu-based center can address a wide variety of sports medicine and osteopathic conditions. They pride themselves on an individualized one-on-one approach with each patient and focus on not only resolving injuries, but also preventing them. Call (808) 521-8170 today to schedule a consultation with an orthopedist, and explore their services further online.