The human foot has 26 bones and 33 joints. While the foot is made to withstand significant pressure, it can be subject to injury after repetitive force, such as the pounding of your feet when you run. When the bones in the foot crack, this is known as a foot stress fracture. Foot stress fractures cause pain, swelling and aching in the foot and can lead to more serious breakage and damage if left untreated. After you rest your foot, your physician may recommend seeing a physical therapist to enhance flexibility in your foot and strengthen the joints.
Initial Treatment
When you first experience a foot stress fracture, your physical therapist will initially recommend resting the foot and refraining from impact exercises that can further injure the fracture. You may, however, be able to perform low-impact exercises like swimming or riding a stationary bicycle, because these exercises do not place strain on your feet. Depending upon the severity of the injury, you may need to wait up to four weeks before engaging in activities that involve striking the foot against the ground.
Return to Exercise
After rehabilitation to rest and reduce inflammation, your physical therapist will continue to evaluate your foot health. When your foot is no longer tender to the touch, your therapist may recommend stretching exercises such as pointing and flexing the foot. Manually massaging the foot also may provide results in this recovery period. Your rehabilitation also may involve strengthening exercises, such as squats and calf raises, for your thigh and calf muscles, respectively.
Strengthening Exercises
When your foot has healed sufficiently to begin exercising, your physical therapist may recommend strengthening exercises. An example includes pointing and flexing the foot to encourage range of motion. In addition to this exercise, moving the foot from side to side 10 to 20 times also can strengthen the ankle and restore mobility. These exercises should be performed only when you can do them without pain. If you experience pain or discomfort, cease the exercise until your foot has had more time to heal.
Supplementary Treatments
In addition to recommended exercises, your physical therapist may utilize a variety of treatment modalities to enhance healing and recovery after the stress fracture. This includes massaging the foot or using ultrasound/electrotherapy to ease tension in the foot. Medication, ice or heat packs and special taping or bracing also may be used to help you return to activity.
