• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Howard J. Luks, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist

  • Articles
  • Notes
  • Podcast
  • Book
  • Education
    • Shoulder Injuries
    • Knee Injuries
    • Elbow Injuries
  • About
Blog / Articles / Running

Common Stress Fractures Of The Foot

Howard J. Luks, MD Updated September 17, 2021

Featured image placeholder

Runners in particular are prone to developing stress fractures in the foot.  Stress fractures of the foot will also occur in other sports, but are more than likely due to training.  Stress fractures of the foot are caused by repetitive loading or stress.  These fractures are most common in runners or athletes who have rapidly ramped up their training schedules.

Why Do Foot Stress Fractures Occur?

Our bone has a certain density or thickness.  As we age, or due to inactivity that strength diminishes.  In addition, our bone will gain density or strength if we exercise.  If we start running the bone will sense whether or not it is thick enough to deal with the repetitive stress.  If you build up your training slowly, the bone will adapt and become thicker or more dense.  But this process takes time.  If you progress your training too rapidly, then the amount of stress you put on your foot will increase, and the bone may start to break internally.  Inside the hard outer shell of the bone is a latticework of finer spicules of bone.  That is where stress fractures first appear.

4 Common Foot Stress Fractures:

foot stress fracture metatarsal
Metatarsal stress fractures of the foot: The metatarsals are the longest bones in the foot.  There are 5 metatarsals, one for each toe.   Stress fractures can occur in any of the metatarsals.  If you have localized severe tenderness and/or swelling over your metatarsals, you likely have a stress fracture.  Most metatarsal stress fractures will heal without the need for surgery.  Some metatarsal fractures might simply require a boot as seen here.  Stress fractures of the inner or first metatarsal and the most outer or fifth metatarsal can be trickier to manage and usually require that you use crutches to allow for healing.  For metatarsal fractures that do not heal surgery might be necessary.

 

foot stress fracture calcaneusStress fracture of the heel or calcaneus: Stress fractures of the heel or calcaneus are less common than fractures of the metatarsals.   The pain can start on either side of the heel,. but it is usually on the outer or lateral side.  The pain from a calcaneal stress fracture can be vague when you are walking.  When you touch the outer side of you heel you will likely be able to find a very tender area.  Most all of these fractures will heal with a boot or cast.  If it still hurts when you are walking in the boot your doctor might put you on crutches for a few weeks.

stress fractures of the foot navicular

 

Stress fracture of the navicular : Stress fractures of the navicular are the most ominous of the stress fractures that can occur in the foot.  The pain from a navicular stress fracture is on the upper or inner side of the middle of your foot.  Once this fracture is suspected it is critical that you see your doctor.   A navicular stress fracture that doesn’t heal will end an athletes or a runners career very quickly.  This is a controversial topic, but the classic literature shows that these fractures do not usually require surgery.   If you are told you might need surgery for this make sure you see an Orthopedic Surgeon with specific Foot and Ankle training.  This is a very tricky procedure.

Stress fracture of the sesamoids.  Sesamoids are little bones the size of a bean that sit under your big toe.  Pain underneath your big toe could signify a sesamoid stress fracture.  It could also mean that the sesamoids are just a little upset, but not fractured.  Often an MRI might be needed to tell the difference.   If you are unable to run because of pain underneath your big toe and it does not go away with rest or a few weeks in a boot then consider seeing your doctor before running again.

Do I Have A Stress Fracture In My Foot?

If you have persistent pain in your foot that is very localized to a particular location then it is possible that you have a stress fracture in your foot.   If a short period of activity modification doesn’t help improve the pain then you should see your Orthopedic Surgeon.  As mentioned above, if you feel you might have a stress fracture of the navicular you should see your surgeon sooner rather than later.

Treatment of Foot Stress Fractures

Most stress fractures in your foot will respond to activity modification.  Some stress fractures may require a boot or a cast, and others may require that you are on crutches for a while.  If you suspect that you may have a stress fracture in your foot it is a good idea to see your Orthopedist.

Recovery From Stress Fractures In The Foot

The recovery from most stress fractures in the foot is generally very straightforward. The fractures will usually heal within a few weeks and most athletes can return to the field in 6-12 weeks, depending on the fracture and its location.  Surgery is very rarely needed for stress fractures of the foot.

 

Categories: Running, Sports Medicine, Training Tags: foot pain, foot stress fractures, stress fractures of the foot

Disclaimer:  this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.
Longevity... Simplified: Living A Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn’t Be Complicated

My new book is available now.

“The seven simple steps to make ‘longevity simplified’, will help to improve your metabolic health right now.” – Dr. Neil Meigh

Learn More
Read Reviews

Related Articles

proximal hamstring tendinopthy PHT
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy- a true pain in the butt
Consequences of inactivity or rest on our health
The Serious Consequences of Recovery From Surgery and Inactivity
Tendon Pain Tendonitis Tendinopathy in Runners
Training Errors and Other Causes of Tendinopathy in Runners
running performance weight training
Running: Intensity and sport specific weight training improves performance
peroneal tendon subluxation
Achilles Tendon Pain in Runners. Tendinopathy Explained.
LEg exercises improve longevity
Runners require strength too: What to do and when to do it
Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, he is widely known as one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons.

Book Appointment · About · Contact

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Like what you’re reading?

Get the latest posts in your inbox

Primary Sidebar

Howard J. Luks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, he is widely known as one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons.

Book Appointment · About · Contact

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Like what you’re reading?

Get the latest posts in your inbox

Longevity... Simplified: Living A Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn’t Be Complicated

My new book is available now.

Learn More
Read Reviews

Reader Favorites

  • Batters shoulder posterior labral tear
    Batter’s Shoulder : Posterior Labral Tears
  • LEg exercises improve longevity
    Runners require strength too: What to do and when to do it
  • calcific tendonitis and severe shoulder pain
    Why Does My Shoulder Hurt So Much?
  • lactate polarized training
    Lactate, the lactate shuttle, and lactate threshold workouts in polarized training
  • Zone 2 heart rate training
    Zone 2 Heart Rate Training For Longevity and Performance
  • knee swelling
    Pain In The Front Of The Knee: 6 Common Causes
  • Polarized training for runners
    Polarized training for everyday runners: Part 1
  • Exercise is more important than ever
    Does Exercise Cause Osteoarthritis?

Howard J Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
128 Ashford Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Phone: (914)-559-1900
Book Appointment

Pages

  • About
  • Upcoming Books
  • Testimonials
  • In The News
  • Media Photos
  • Contact

Topics

  • Shoulder
  • Knee
  • Elbow
  • Metabolic Health
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Training

More

  • COVID
  • Ankle
  • Hip
  • PRP
  • Running
  • Sports Medicine
  • Articles
  • Notes
  • Podcast
  • Book
  • Education
  • About

© 2023 · Howard J Luks, MD · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This site should be used for informational purposes only.