Headaches? Your Doctor Can Help You More Than You Think

Think You Have A Stress Fracture In Your Foot? Get To The Bottom Of The Problem

If you've been having severe pain in your foot and ankle and you worry that you could have some type of stress fracture or other bone problem, you want to meet with an orthopedic professional right away. If the pain is dull throughout the day but gets intense and throbs at night, or after you run with the foot or are on it for a long time, you don't want to risk damaging the foot more. Here are a few things to talk with your doctor about to get treatment.

Imaging Scan

Small stress fractures may not be easy to see in x-rays. Your doctor may have to request that you get an MRI or another scan of the foot so they can see the bones more closely, along with the ligaments to determine if a stress fracture is the source of the problem.

R.I.C.E

Rest, ice, compression and elevation at the area of pain whenever possible is a great way to help treat the injury as it's healing, and when you want to reduce swelling and improve circulation in the foot. You'll want to do this to help the injury during the healing process, and at the first signs that the injury is returning later on. Talk with your doctor to see if they want you to take any type of over the counter medication as well.

Orthopedic Brace

Years ago they would have to put a cast on the foot, which can be heavy, uncomfortable, hard to bathe with in, and inconvenient for a number of other reasons. Today you can use a brace that that you strap on when you get up in the morning and that you can easily remove when you want to ice or go to sleep. The brace will help to take pressure off the foot during the day so the injury can heal.

These are just a few of the things that you can talk with the physician with, and you'll know more about what to do when you get the results back from the scan. If you have a stress fracture, don't risk making the fracture more serious or severe, or prolonging your injury by avoiding treatment. Instead, work with your doctor to find out what treatment options are going to be the easiest, and what you should to do to start getting the relief that you need as quickly as possible.


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