4 Telltale Signs of a Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are a common overuse injury, but they present similar symptoms to other musculoskeletal problems. Unfortunately, those similarities can make it difficult to know if you’re at risk.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno provide complete care for stress fractures. Here, we explain how stress fractures form and highlight four telltale signs to watch out for.

What are stress fractures?

Stress fractures, also called hairline fractures, are very small breaks in a bone. They occur when a bone experiences general wear-and-tear or is placed under extreme duress. Stress fractures can form anywhere in the body but usually affect the feet and toes. 

Diagnosing stress fractures: Four telltale signs to watch out for

Because stress fractures are small, they don’t always present symptoms of a broken bone. Even so, subtle symptoms can help you determine if you have one. These include:

1. Pain

Pain caused by stress fractures is localized, meaning it affects a single spot rather than spreading out over an entire area. It tends to improve with rest but often flares up again if you do something that puts pressure on the affected bone.

For example, if you have a stress fracture in your foot, you might notice the pain worsens when running, walking, or playing sports. 

2. Tenderness

Tenderness is most noticeable when you place pressure on an affected area. If you experience pain or discomfort in a specific location, and it’s over a bone, you may have a stress fracture. Like pain, tenderness often worsens during activities that pressure the affected bone or surrounding tissues.

3. Swelling

Broken bones typically cause severe bruising and swelling, but the symptoms of stress fractures aren’t as obvious. Stress fracture-related swelling is mild and often causes redness or puffiness around the affected bone. 

4. Bruising

Bruising from stress fractures often occurs on the skin directly over an affected bone. However, like swelling, the bruising is often subtle. Carefully examine your skin for yellow, green, or purple discoloration. 

When to seek treatment for a stress fracture

Contact our caring podiatrists if you experience any symptoms of a stress fracture, like localized pain and swelling. Because stress fractures tend to worsen without treatment, prompt intervention is crucial.

After an exam and diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan, we can make personalized treatment recommendations to relieve pain, speed the healing process, and prevent further foot trauma. 

Contact Mayfair Foot Care today if you think you might have a stress fracture. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.