Factors That Can Contribute To A Stress Fracture Of The Foot

A podiatrist is an appropriate medical professional to whom you can turn if you believe you have a stress fracture in your foot. The symptoms of this tiny breakage — typically a combination of pain in the foot, swelling, and bruising — should alert you to something being wrong. You can then call a podiatry clinic to describe what you've noticed and schedule a prompt appointment. There are various ways to treat a stress fracture, but your podiatrist will begin by assessing your foot and confirming that you indeed have this injury. Here are some factors that can contribute to a stress fracture in the foot.

Overuse

A common reason that people develop stress fractures in their feet is due to overuse. This essentially means that you're spending a lot of time on your feet, typically performing high-impact exercises, and aren't allowing this part of your body to rest enough. People who can get stress fractures as a result of overuse are those who exercise a lot and those who have physical jobs in which they're on their feet for most of the day. If you're a jogger and you rarely take a day off from jogging, or you're a restaurant server who wears shoes with improper padding and you work a lot, a stress fracture can occur.

Sudden Increase In Use

Overuse isn't the only factor that can contribute to a stress fracture in your foot. Sometimes, this problem can occur as a result of you suddenly being on your feet more. For example, if you've recently decided to get serious about exercising, you might start dancing or jogging daily after months or years of relatively low activity. This can sometimes result in a stress fracture. Moderation when partaking in new physical activities can be a good way to lower your risk of such an injury.

Heavy Body Weight

People who are overweight and obese are more likely to develop a stress fracture in their feet. With every step they take, they're putting a considerable amount of weight onto the bones of the foot. The small bones, in particular, may be more at risk of a stress fracture as a result of this pressure. A heavy person can suffer a stress fracture even if they aren't exercising excessively.

If you believe that you've recently suffered a stress fracture in your foot or suspect another type of injury, contact a podiatry clinic in your area.

Reach out to a local podiatrist to learn more.