Stress Fractures

A Better, Faster Way of Recovery. Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Care.

What is a Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures are injuries caused to bones, secondary to chronic stress or overload. Stress fractures are more common in women than men. The bones of the foot are under constant load. If there is not proper support for high or chronic loads to the bones, they can weaken and begin to develop a small crack known as a stress fracture. Rest, proper nutrition, evaluation of vitamin D levels, and immobilization are early effective treatments.

For more severe stress fractures or chronic non-healing fractures, regenerative treatments can be helpful at delivering prompt healing to these injuries. Piezoelectric impulse therapy (Piezo) and Optical laser therapy can stimulate a rapid bone healing. Additionally, bone stimulators or regenerative injections are able to quickly mend the chronic or non-healing bone injury.

Types Of Ankle And Foot Stress Fractures

A fracture in the foot generally comes in two forms: stress fractures and bone fractures. Stress fractures most often occur in forefoot bones extending from the toes to the middle of the foot. A stress fracture is a minuscule fissure or crack located in the bone surface.

These injuries can quickly escalate with exercise (activities like walking or running for longer times or distances), incorrect training techniques, or it could be a change in the surface you are exercising on.

Bone fractures are breaks that extend through the entire bone. These types of fractures can result in a bone that is no longer aligned or stable, where there is a “clean break” through the bone without any displacement. Bone fractures originate from trauma: from twisting or dropping a heavy object on your foot.

A broken bone that does not break through the skin is called a “closed fracture”. A broken bone that breaks through the skin is called an “open fracture”.

Because of complex foot structures, there are other more specific types of fractures that can occur. The ankle-foot relationship can become compromised by an ankle-twisting injury. This can tear the tendon that is attached and pull a small piece of the bone away from where it belongs.

Foot And Ankle Stress Fractures

Because the relationship between the foot and ankle is very complex, it is imperative to have a skilled Foot and Ankle physician examine the damage to determine the root cause of the pain or symptoms you may be experiencing. Hecker Sports and Regenerative Medicine™ helps to unravel complex ankle and foot conditions, offering patients cost-effective and non-surgical options.

Dr. Hecker listens carefully to your symptoms, your habits and delivers an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Hecker Sports Medicine™ in Fort Collins partners with you to determine the best course of treatment.

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