A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. In the foot or ankle, this often happens when the bone is placed under repeated stress before it has enough time to recover. Stress fractures can develop from walking, running, jumping, standing for long periods, or a sudden increase in activity.

DeNova Health helps patients grasp whether foot or ankle pain may be related to a stress fracture and recommends treatment options to protect the bone, reduce pressure, and support healing.

Symptoms of a Stress Fracture

Stress fracture pain often starts gradually and becomes more noticeable with activity. Unlike general soreness, the pain is usually more focused in one area and may worsen the longer you stay on your feet.

Common symptoms may include:

• Localized bone pain: Pain is often felt in one specific spot on the foot or ankle.
• Swelling around the area: Soft tissue swelling may develop near the injured bone.
• Pain with activity: Walking, running, jumping, or standing may make the pain worse.
• Tenderness to touch: The area may feel sore when pressed directly.
• Pain that improves with rest: Symptoms may ease when weight is taken off the foot but return with activity.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Stress fractures develop when a bone is placed under repeated loads that exceed its capacity to rebuild.

Common causes and risk factors may include:

• Sudden increase in activity: Increasing running mileage, walking distance, or starting a new fitness plan too quickly.
• Repetitive impact: Long periods of walking, running, jumping, or standing on hard surfaces.
• Foot shape and mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or movement patterns that change how weight is supported.
• Unsupportive footwear: Wearing shoes that lack adequate shock absorption or stability.
• Bone density factors: Conditions such as osteoporosis, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes.

How DeNova Health Assesses a Stress Fracture

During your visit, our team will review your symptoms, history of activity, and footwear. We perform a physical exam to check for localized tenderness and swelling.

While a stress fracture may not always show up on an initial X-ray, our assessment helps determine if the bone needs immediate protection and what support options can help you heal.

Treatment Options at DeNova Health

Treatment focus is on protecting the injured bone, reducing load, managing pain, and supporting a safe return to activity.

• Temporary casting or walking boots: A boot or cast can help protect the bone, limit painful movement, and allow healing.
• Custom orthotics: Tailored support can help distribute weight evenly, improve foot alignment, and reduce strain on the bone.
• Orthopaedic footwear: Stiff-soled or rocker-bottom shoes can help reduce pressure and bending forces through the foot bones.
• Physical therapy and exercises: Guided rehabilitation to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance without overloading the healing bone.
• Laser therapy or shockwave therapy: Modalities may be considered to help manage pain and support bone and soft tissue recovery.

Surgical options may be discussed when appropriate.

When to Seek Care for Possible Stress Fracture Pain

You should seek care if you notice:

1. Pain in one specific spot: The pain feels focused in one area of the foot or ankle rather than spread out.
2. Swelling near the painful area: The soft tissue around the sore spot becomes swollen or tender.
3. Pain that worsens with activity: Walking, running, jumping, or standing makes the pain more noticeable.
4. Symptoms that return after rest: The pain improves when you stop but comes back when you resume activity.
5. Difficulty bearing weight: It becomes painful to walk normally or put pressure through the foot.

If you have severe pain, major swelling, visible deformity, numbness, or you cannot walk on the foot, you should seek urgent medical attention.

Book a Stress Fracture Assessment

If foot or ankle pain is getting worse with activity or feels focused in one specific area, DeNova Health can help you understand whether a stress fracture may be involved.

Book an assessment at DeNova Health to review your symptoms, assess how your foot is handling pressure, and create a plan to help protect the bone, reduce pain, and support proper healing.