The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute, a foot and toe clinic in Arlington, VA, is pleased to announce the release of a new report on stress fractures, aimed at educating the public on prevention, symptoms, and treatment options.

With the rising popularity of fitness routines, understanding the risks associated with physical activity, such as stress fractures, is essential for ensuring a safe and effective workout experience.

Stress fractures, often referred to as hairline fractures, are tiny cracks in bones that occur as a result of repetitive stress or pressure over time. Unlike fractures caused by physical trauma, stress fractures gradually develop due to activities that put excessive or repeated pressure on bones. Common in high-impact sports such as running, basketball, or gymnastics, stress fractures can affect the feet, legs, and even the lower back.

What Causes Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures typically develop when fatigued muscles can no longer absorb the shock of high-impact activities, causing the bones to bear the brunt of the stress. This can lead to cracks in bones such as the metatarsals, calcaneus (heel bone), fibula (outer lower leg bone), and navicular (a bone in the middle of the foot).

Other risk factors include osteoporosis, a lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin D or calcium, irregular menstrual cycles, improper footwear, and transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one too quickly.

Identifying a Stress Fracture

Stress fractures can be difficult to diagnose as their symptoms often overlap with other types of foot injuries. Common signs include swelling, tenderness, bruising, and pain that worsens during physical activity but improves with rest. If left untreated, stress fractures can worsen and may lead to a more severe injury.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute recommends that individuals experiencing symptoms of a stress fracture seek professional advice. Podiatrists at the Institute provide thorough examinations, including X-rays, MRIs, or bone scans, to diagnose the injury accurately. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options will be tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

Treatment typically includes rest, ice, elevation, and in some cases, mobility aids such as crutches or a cast to protect the foot during healing. In most cases, stress fractures heal within 6-8 weeks with proper care. However, more severe fractures may require extended healing times or, in rare instances, surgical intervention.

Prevention Is Key

The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute emphasizes the importance of gradual increases in activity levels and proper rest between workouts to avoid stress fractures. Wearing the right footwear, ensuring proper nutrition (including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake), and listening to your body are crucial steps in preventing these types of injuries.

The full report, titled “How Can a Podiatrist Help with Stress Fractures?” can be found on the clinic’s website.

Media Contact
Company Name: Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute
Contact Person: Dr. Shruti A. Patel, MS, DPM, AACFAS
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1 571-619-8923
Address:8320 Old Courthouse Rd # 401
City: Vienna
State: VA 22182
Country: United States
Website: https://chesapeakefai.com/