A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops due to repetitive force or overuse, often occurring in weight-bearing bones like the metatarsals. These fractures are common among athletes, particularly runners, and can also affect individuals who suddenly increase their physical activity. Key causes include improper footwear, inadequate training techniques, and conditions such as osteoporosis that weaken bones. Symptoms typically manifest as localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising surrounding the affected area may also be present. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures can develop gradually, making early detection challenging. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is essential for effective treatment, which may include rest and immobilization to promote healing and prevent future injuries. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Incorporating specific stretches into your routine may help to alleviate the discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. One effective stretch is the calf stretch. Stand facing a wall, place one foot behind the other and gently lean forward, feeling the stretch in the calf of the back leg. Another beneficial stretch is the seated toe stretch. While seated, extend one leg and reach towards your toes to stretch the plantar fascia. The towel stretch is also useful, and is done while sitting, looping a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pulling it towards you to stretch the arch of the foot. Consistently performing these stretches can enhance flexibility, reduce tension, and promote healing in the plantar fascia. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you toward additional stretches for relief.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nerve pain in the foot can arise from various conditions, each presenting unique symptoms. Morton’s neuroma occurs when a nerve between the toes becomes compressed, causing sharp, burning pain and numbness in the ball of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, leading to tingling and pain in the arch and heel. Sciatica, often originating from issues in the lower back, can cause radiating pain down the leg into the foot. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain due to nerve damage. If you have foot pain or any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.