Advanced Foot Care of New Jersey is committed to clearing up misconceptions about your feet. For this post, we’ve decided to focus on an important podiatric concern that many people don’t understand: Stress fractures.

When we say a bone is broken, it means the same thing as saying it is fractured. However, the manner in which it was fractured can vary. That’s where the term “stress fracture” becomes useful. It refers to a bone that has been broken by something other than a precipitating injury.

Below, we’re going to lay out the risks, do’s, and don’ts of this common podiatric injury. We hope that will help move you one step closer toward healthy, pain-free feet!

Risks:

Fractures present numerous risks to the health of your feet, but here are three of the most prevalent:

Chronic pain, is most commonly the result of ignoring warning signs or just hoping the discomfort will somehow cease on its own.
Bone displacement, which can sometimes make surgery necessary.
Deformities caused by abnormal alignment, which itself is caused by neglect or failure to follow recommended treatment methods.

Don’ts:

These are all best avoided if you want to heal properly or avoid complications.

DON’T think that the ability to walk on your foot means that it is not broken.
DON’T go looking on WebMD or Google for answers.
DON’T walk on a foot that is feeling sore for more than a week or two.
DON’T jump, run, or otherwise put any strain on a foot that is sore, particularly a swollen one.

Do’s:

These are the right steps to take if you want to heal properly.

DO wear any walking boots or braces continuously if it is advised by your podiatrist.
DO take care while exercising, paying attention to any soreness or swelling.
DO remove any braces or boots when driving if they are on your right foot.
DO take it easy for six weeks, which is how long a stress fracture takes to heal with proper treatment.

If you’ve suffered a stress fracture in your foot, our doctor and staff would be happy to assist you. We proudly serve Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch communities. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!