When runner Vicky Huber Rudawsky reinjured her stress fracture in her foot after putting too much pressure on it too soon, she learned a valuable lesson in patience. Once Huber Rudawsky was cleared by her doctor after waiting nearly a year to recover from her initial stress fracture she “hit the ground running” and immediately got back into heavy training.

The runner should have gradually got back into her routine starting with low weight-bearing activities such as swimming. Another way to prevent or reduce the probability of a stress fracture includes cross training, the alternating of activities so no one area of the body faces the same stresses every day. Wearing shoes with proper support and incorporating calcium and vitamin D in your meals can also prevent stress fractures.

Stress fractures are painful and can keep runners off of their feet for a long period of time. If you think you have a stress fracture contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners                                  
-people affected with Osteoporosis
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

Treatment

The individual and the degree of injury depend on the fracture of the foot. Some fractures heal very fast while others take a long times and one would need crutches.

- Surgery with support pins around the fracture helps
- A great intake of Calcium and Vitamin-D helps for strong bones
- Set a regimen for running or other activity
- Wear supportive shoes

If you experience any discomfort or stress stop what you are doing and get rest. If symptoms persist see an orthopedic specialist right away. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Philadelphia and Bensalem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about stress fractures.