Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle has provided foot stress fracture treatment to Millsboro & Seaford, DE patients since 2000. Our practice works hard to offer the best foot and ankle care possible. We offer both medical and surgical services in full. Because of this, our staff can better provide you with high-quality treatment, education, and the healthy quality of life you deserve. Our doctors are well-versed in treating adults and children with injuries such as stress fractures. Call us to make an appointment today.
What Is a Stress Reaction & Fracture?
Think of a stress reaction as a deep bone bruise. Repetitive overuse or impact of force on the weight-bearing bones of your body will result in this condition. The weight-bearing bones are mostly found on the lower extremities. These include the shin, tibia, or foot. When a stress reaction goes untreated, it turns into a stress fracture. This involves a tiny crack in the bone and could occur elsewhere in the body. With proper care, stress fractures can successfully heal without further complications.
Several factors can cause stress fractures in your feet. Most of these can either be caused by extrinsic or intrinsic occurrences. Extrinsic factors include anything that happens outside of the body. This could be tied to environmental scenarios. However, intrinsic factors mean anything related to the patient that isn't impacted by an outside force. Causes of stress fractures could vary from anything, such as:
If a stress fracture isn't treated in its early stages, it can grow increasingly more painful. Certain fractures sometimes will be considered high risk depending on their severity. At first, you may not experience any signs of injury, but over time it becomes noticeable. Depending on the activity and location, you can expect stress fracture symptoms to include pain, swelling, or aching. This discomfort can last during physical activity and resolve when at rest. Other people have constant pain, no matter if they are active or inactive. Overall, it is probably best to contact a physician if you are experiencing pain in any form.
How Do We Effectively Diagnose Stress Fractures?
Wondering how to tell if your foot is fractured? There are several foot stress fracture tests your doctor may perform. Imaging tends to be ordered most of the time for a thorough and accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may take an X-ray, or send you for a bone scan or MRI. Each test has unique benefits and can be described as follows:
Your doctor will recommend treatment for stress fractures in the foot based on the location and severity of your condition. There are many ways to prevent and treat fractures. If you have a stress reaction, staying away from the initial activity that caused the initial injury will prevent a fracture. Knowing previous underlying conditions will also help avoid specific scenarios that could result in a stress fracture. After you have been examined for your injury, some treatments include:
Our Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle team specializes in treating athletes and those prone to common foot stress fractures. We aim for treatment that doesn't involve surgery so you can efficiently get back to your activity or sport as soon as possible. If a procedure is required, you can be assured that we offer the highest-quality care. When an accidents/injuryies happen, we accept same day appointments for urgent care. Your health is our first priority, and it is our privilege to serve the Millsboro and Seaford areas. Call and let us be your trusted source for foot and ankle care.