November 2024

Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are small cracks in the bone that result from repetitive force or overuse. These injuries often occur in athletes and active individuals due to increased activity levels without adequate rest. The foot and ankle contain two types of bone, which are the cortical bone and trabecular bone. Cortical bone is the dense outer layer that provides strength, while trabecular bone is the spongy inner structure that absorbs shock and distributes loads. When excessive stress is placed on these bones, especially the trabecular bone, tiny fractures can develop leading to pain and swelling. Understanding the biomechanics behind stress fractures is essential for prevention and treatment. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Glenn Davison, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Numbness in the feet can result from various medical conditions, each requiring careful consideration. Nerve damage, often due to diabetes or injuries, can disrupt normal sensation, leading to feelings of tingling or numbness. A lack of blood supply, commonly seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease, can also cause numbness due to insufficient oxygen reaching the nerves. Deep vein thrombosis is another serious cause, where a blood clot in a deep vein can restrict blood flow, leading to swelling and numbness. Additionally, frostbite, which can cause severe foot pain, and can damage the nerves, resulting in numbness and loss of sensation. If you have foot pain or your feet are numb,it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can tell you why, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Glenn Davison, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.