A stress fracture is a small, hairline crack in the surface of a bone. Stress fractures commonly are caused by overuse or repetitive stress. A stress fracture can occur in the foot, for example, after running greater distances than usual or engaging in conditioning on varied surfaces, or in improper or worn out footwear. It is important to treat a stress fracture right away to prevent further damage.
First Aid
At the first signs of a possible stress fracture in the foot--such as pain, tenderness and swelling--it's necessary to stop any activity or exercise and elevate the foot. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends putting ice on the foot and taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain and inflammation.
Rest
According to Foot Health Facts--the official consumer website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons--rest is sometimes the only treatment needed to heal a stress fracture in the foot. For approximately six to eight weeks, you should avoid the exercise or activity that caused your stress fracture and try to keep weight off of the affected foot. If the stress fracture is severe, you may need to use crutches or a wheelchair to avoid placing undue pressure on the foot.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises that you resume low-impact exercises such as swimming or aerobics once your foot has had sufficient time to rest, but only after your doctor has approved a return to such activity.
Taping or Casting
Depending upon where the stress fracture in the foot is located, it may be necessary to stabilize the affected area with tape, a cast or special orthopedic footwear. If the stress fracture is in a toe, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises taping the fractured toe to its neighboring toe for stability, wrapping them first with gauze to protect the skin and being careful not to cut off circulation. This treatment is not advised if you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or another condition that impairs circulation to your extremities.
Stress fractures occurring on the outside of the foot, the top of the midfoot or the bone on the back of the foot between the heel and lower leg may require a cast to ensure the foot bones remain in a fixed position during the healing process.
As an alternative to taping and casting, other orthopedic or protective footwear may be used during treatment. Wooden or other rigid-soled shoes with flat bottoms, or a removable shoe brace can immobilize the foot to promote healing as well as prevent further injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these devices are typically worn for about two or three weeks.
Surgery
Severe stress fractures that do not heal with rest and supportive casts sometimes require surgical repair. Doctors frequently attempt to stabilize the fracture using internal fixation--a surgical procedure that makes use of pins, screws, plates and/or fasteners to secure the fractured bones. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this operation makes it more likely that the injured bones mend.
