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Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Stress Fractures

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for stress fractures, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Understanding stress fractures and your options.

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. It grows from repeated pressure, not from one big injury. In the foot, it often shows up in the metatarsals, the small sesamoid bones under the big toe, or the heel bone.

Runners, dancers, and people who suddenly do more walking or standing are often affected. The pain usually starts mild and slowly gets worse. Catching it early can keep a small crack from becoming a full break.

Also called: Metatarsal, Sesamoid, Calcaneal

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Stress Fractures care

Symptoms

Signs of stress fractures.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Pain that builds during activity and eases with rest

  • 02

    A sore spot on the bone that hurts when pressed

  • 03

    Mild swelling on the top or bottom of the foot

  • 04

    Pain that starts to show up even at rest

Why it happens

What can cause stress fractures.

  • 01

    Adding miles or activity too fast

  • 02

    Worn-out shoes or hard training surfaces

  • 03

    Low bone strength or poor nutrition

  • 04

    Foot shape issues that overload one bone

Care groupFractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Diagnosis and care

How we treat stress fractures.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We ask about your activity, shoes, and recent changes, then press gently along the bones to find the sore spot. X-rays are used, but early cracks may not show at first. If we still suspect a stress fracture, an MRI can find it sooner.

Step 2 · Treatment

Rest from the activity that caused it is the most important step. We may place you in a walking boot or a stiff shoe, and sometimes crutches, to take pressure off the bone. Padding or orthotics can spread out the load once you are healing. Then we help you return to activity in small steps, often with physical therapy.

Most stress fractures heal without surgery. Surgery is sometimes used for bones that heal poorly, such as some sesamoid or fifth metatarsal cracks, or if a crack becomes a full break.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Many stress fractures need about 6 to 8 weeks to heal, and some take longer. Going back too soon is the most common reason they return.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if foot pain keeps coming back with activity or you have a spot that hurts to touch. Do not keep training through it, because the crack can get worse.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Why did my X-ray look normal?

Small early cracks often do not show on X-rays. An MRI or a repeat X-ray a couple of weeks later may show what is going on.

Can I keep exercising?

Usually you can do low-impact options like swimming if they do not cause pain. We will tell you what is safe for your bone.

Get help with stress fractures.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Stress Fractures care at 15 clinics.

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