When you’re active, it’s essential to understand what injuries could be common and what you should look out for. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone commonly occurring in the feet and lower legs, particularly among athletes and active individuals. These injuries result from repetitive stress or overuse rather than a single traumatic event. Dr Trinity Mereau and Dr. Steven Walters at Capital Foot & Ankle of Austin in Austin, TX, can explain how sports medicine podiatrists can help you deal with stress fractures.

Dealing With Stress Fractures

Stress fractures typically develop in weight-bearing bones, such as the metatarsals (bones of the foot), tibia (shinbone), and fibula. These fractures often occur due to repetitive impact from activities like running, jumping, or dancing. This can often happen if you suddenly increase your activity level or intensity without properly resting, wear shoes that don’t provide proper support, or have abnormalities in your foot structure.

If you think you’re dealing with a stress fracture, it’s essential to talk to your sports medicine podiatrist in Austin, TX, for help. They will ask about your activity level, recent changes in training, and any specific pain patterns. Understanding your symptoms and lifestyle helps pinpoint the likely cause of the fracture. Imaging tests may be needed to confirm a fracture.

Once a stress fracture is diagnosed, treatment promotes bone healing, relieves pain, and prevents future injuries. The cornerstone of treatment is rest. You must stop the activity that caused the fracture to allow the bone to heal. Depending on the location and severity, this could mean reducing weight-bearing activities or altogether avoiding specific exercises for a period.

Sometimes, you may need to use crutches to reduce stress in affected areas, and you may need to wear supportive shoes with proper cushioning. Once the initial healing phase is complete, physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Your podiatrist may prescribe specific exercises to reintroduce activity and gradually reduce re-injury risk.

Contact Our Podiatrist Today

Make sure you understand how to deal with a stress fracture. Contact Dr Trinity Mereau and Dr. Steven Walters at Capital Foot & Ankle of Austin in Austin, TX, to learn how sports medicine podiatrists can help you with stress fractures. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (512) 474-6666.