The Importance of Early Hammertoe Treatment
You don’t need to wait until your hammertoe gets worse before reaching out for help. The sooner you get treatment, the better! Read on to learn three reasons early hammertoe treatment is so important.
Persistent Foot Pain: 5 Signs You May Have a Stress Fracture
Stress fractures — tiny cracks that form in your bone from repeated stress — are one of the most common sports injuries. They can develop in the bones in your feet or lower legs if you increase your physical activity too quickly, wear the wrong shoes, play high-impact sports, run on hard or sloped surfaces, or have low vitamin D levels.
People with foot problems like flat feet are also more prone to stress fractures. Unlike other types of fractures, such as compound fractures, stress fractures develop slowly, over time, so you might not know if you’re dealing with a fracture, a tendon issue, or even a muscle strain.
At Manhattan Podiatry Associates, with two NYC locations: Midtown and Downtown, we specialize in keeping your feet healthy and strong. Our expert team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates, with offices in Midtown and Downtown New York City, can confirm the source of your foot pain.
Not sure what a stress fracture feels like? Here are five signs you may have one.
1. Localized pain that gets worse with physical activity
When the hairline crack first forms in your bone, you might not notice the pain or associate it with a stress fracture. However, as time goes on, the pain becomes more apparent. This is one of the biggest warning signs of a stress fracture: pain that steadily worsens when you’re active.
Stress fractures typically cause sharp, pinpoint pain that intensifies during weight-bearing activities like running or walking. As your stress fracture worsens, even standing for extended periods can cause pain. The pain may subside when you rest but quickly returns with activity.
2. Swelling
Swelling is a symptom of all fractures, including stress fractures. You’ll notice some swelling near the affected area. In some cases, you might notice mild bruising or redness around the site of the fracture.
3. Pain when you touch the area
Stress fractures often result in pain when you press on the specific area where your bone is cracked. This localized tenderness is a hallmark sign that sets stress fractures apart from other types of injuries.
4. Increasing difficulty bearing weight
At first, you might be able to push through the pain and continue to run or walk on your injured foot.
As your fracture worsens, you might find it increasingly difficult to put weight on your injured foot. This can interfere with your daily activities and make walking or standing for long periods nearly impossible.
5. Lingering pain that doesn’t improve
If your foot pain persists for more than a few days despite rest and basic care, it could indicate a stress fracture. Unlike muscle strains or minor injuries, stress fractures often require longer periods of rest than a mild bruise.
How stress fractures are treated
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and think you might have a stress fracture, give us a call. When you come to Manhattan Podiatry Associates for an injury, our first step is to confirm what type of injury you have. Stress fractures can be diagnosed through:
- Imaging like X-rays
- Reviewing your symptoms, including when you first noticed pain, what makes it worse, and what makes it better
- A physical examination (noting any swelling or bruising)
Once your stress fracture is confirmed, our team gets you started with the right treatment based on where your fracture is located and how severe the crack is.
Your treatment plan may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In some cases, you may need to wear a boot or use crutches.
Resist the temptation to rush back to your normal activity levels. Returning too soon can delay your healing and injure your foot further. Our team can also help you safely return to your activities at a pace that doesn’t add more strain to your healing bones.
Visit Manhattan Podiatry Associates Today
Don’t ignore persistent foot pain. It could be your body’s way of telling you it needs attention. Conveniently located in Midtown and Downtown New York City, we specialize in advanced podiatric care for patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Don’t let foot problems slow you down! Click to schedule an appointment or call (845) 539-1848 or (845) 704-4692 today and get back to enjoying your runs pain-free.
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