Forefoot fractures can cause pain but these injuries are
highly treatable
Did you know that nearly one-fourth of all the bones in your
body are in your feet? These bones provide you with support and
movement and, as a result, they can suffer a lot of wear and tear.
Stress fractures can develop, for example. A stress fracture in
your forefoot, or metatarsals, can be painful, but usually heals
without the need for surgery.
What is a stress fracture of the forefoot?
Stress fractures are a type of overuse injury, usually affecting
the bones of the forefoot that extend from the toes to the middle
of the foot. Stress fractures can occur as the result of sudden
increases in exercise as well as improper sports training techniques.
Signs and symptoms of forefoot stress fractures
Symptoms of the condition include:
- Pain that develops gradually, increasing with weight-bearing
activity and decreasing with rest
- Swelling located on the top of the foot or at the outside ankle
- Tenderness
- Bruising
How is a forefoot stress fracture diagnosed?
A physician will ask you several questions, including about when
you first noticed the injury. He or she also will examine the area
of pain and may recommend an X-ray or bone scan to further study
the area. If a fore foot stress fracture is confirmed, your physician
will recommend treatment.
Treatment of forefoot stress fractures
Treatments vary and depend on the fracture's location. Most stress
fractures will heal with a reduced activity level and protective
footwear usually in a matter of weeks after which low
impact exercises can commence. Surgery is rarely required to
treat feet problems
like fore foot fractures. However, when surgery is necessary, the
recovery rate is high.
For more information as well as forefoot products, see product
menu at right.
|
