Stress fractures can occur in the foot due to repetitive strain.  This can affect a variety of bones in the foot.  It is most common in the 2nd metatarsal.  This injury is most common with:

• Individuals involved in high impact sports (running, jumping and dancing) – especially when inadequate footwear is worn
• Runners who rapidly increase training levels – onset maybe 3 weeks after increasing training levels
• Individuals who walk excessively
• Individuals with an eating disorder
• Individuals who have rapidly gained weight
• Individuals who have changed their footwear

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of pain that is usually deep and nagging in character
• Pain aggravated by weight bearing
• Pain may occur at night
• Swelling possible

What you can do

• Rest and modification of training.  It may be necessary to use crutches and avoid weight bearing on the affected foot for up to 8 weeks.
• Lose weight
• Review footwear

What we can do

• Perform tests to confirm diagnosis
• Improve mechanics of foot to improve shock absorbing capability and therefore reduce stress on foot
• Improve mechanics of leg and hip to take the strain of the foot

Further treatment options

• Referral for MRI or x-ray

Tags: Foot Pain, mid foot pain