What is it?
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated stress rather than a single injury. In the foot, they are most common in the metatarsal bones and the navicular bone.
What causes it?
- A sudden increase in training or impact activity.
- Low bone density, low vitamin D, or not eating enough for the amount of training.
- Foot shape or changes in footwear.
Common symptoms
- Pain that builds gradually and is worse with activity.
- A tender spot over the bone.
- Swelling.
How is it diagnosed?
Early X-rays are often normal, so an MRI or CT scan may be needed. Your surgeon may also recommend checking your bone health.
Things you can do now
- Stop the activity that causes pain
- Rest the foot and avoid high-impact exercise
- Look at your diet, calcium and vitamin D
- Plan a gradual return to training
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include rest and offloading, a protective boot, a gradual, planned return to activity, addressing nutrition and bone health and surgery for high-risk fractures or those that do not heal.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- Pain that builds with activity and is tender over one spot of bone
- Swelling on top of the foot after an increase in training
- Repeated stress fractures, which may mean a bone health check is needed
What to expect
Most stress fractures heal with rest and a protective boot over six to eight weeks. A few, in higher-risk sites, need closer monitoring or surgery.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about stress fractures in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with stress fractures at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.