If you play a sport that requires a lot of jumping or running, you may develop a stress fracture in your foot. A foot stress fracture means is a small, hairline crack in one of the bones of your feet. This injury is usually caused by overuse or over-training. If you notice the signs or symptoms of a foot stress fracture, you need to take care of your injury. It may be necessary to rest or immobilize the area for a while and avoid the activities that caused it until the bone heals.
Foot Pain
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a common symptom of a stress fracture in the foot is pain near the site of the injury. Initially, you may have pain only in a localized area. There may be a pinpoint spot of pain right at the site of the crack. With time, the pain may spread to other areas in your foot. The pain may start gradually as a dull ache and occur only when you are bearing weight. Once you are off your foot, the pain may get better. If this condition is left untreated, you may develop more severe and chronic pain that occurs even while you're resting.
Swelling
A stress fracture can also cause swelling in the foot. You may notice bruising and other skin discoloration as well. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine states the symptoms of a foot stress fracture may take days, weeks or months to appear. If the fracture is the result of trauma to the area, then the symptoms may appear immediately. In the case of overuse, the symptoms will develop much more gradually.
Inability to Bear Weight
If your injury becomes more severe, your foot may become red and be sensitive to touch. You may be unable to walk or bear weight on the affected foot. The Hospital for Special Surgery notes that your doctor will rely on a physical exam to diagnose your condition, because a stress fracture may not show up on an X-ray.
