Heel Stress Fracture Symptoms
High-impact activities that require a lot of running and jumping can place excessive stress on the heel bone. Stress fractures, or cracks in the bone, must be properly treated in order to avoid a more serious break or other complications. It is important to rest the area and seek medical attention as soon as the symptoms of a heel stress fracture occur.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Pain
Initially the pain that occurs with a heel stress fracture may be not be severe enough to discontinue the activity being performed. It may just feel achy and only occur during weight-bearing activities. Resting will usually make the pain better. However, if left untreated, that pain will gradually continue to get worse and will be felt even at rest, claims the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1. The pain may become severe but be very localized. Early treatment can lead to faster recovery.
- Initially the pain that occurs with a heel stress fracture may be not be severe enough to discontinue the activity being performed.
- It may just feel achy and only occur during weight-bearing activities.
Swelling and Warmth
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A fall or repetitive pounding motions on the heel bone can lead to a stress fracture. Before a stress fracture can be detected on X-rays, the heel area may become swollen and feel warm to the touch, states the American Academy of Family Physicians 12. If the stress fracture is small, resting and immobilizing the area may be all that is needed. For larger fractures, surgery may be required to repair the bone.
- A fall or repetitive pounding motions on the heel bone can lead to a stress fracture.
- If the stress fracture is small, resting and immobilizing the area may be all that is needed.
Bruising
If bruising appears around the heel area, then the stress fracture may be severe. The bruising usually only involves a small area about the size of a silver dollar. However, in most cases, by the time the skin becomes discolored, the stress fracture may have progressed to a more significant break in the heel bone versus just a small crack.
Related Articles
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
- American Academy of Family Physicians: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: Diagnosis and Treatment of Heel Pain
- Welck MJ, Hayes T, Pastides P, Khan W, Rudge B. Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. Injury. 2017;48(8):1722-1726. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2015.06.015
- Matsuda S, Fukubayashi T, Hirose N. Characteristics of the foot static alignment and the plantar pressure associated with fifth metatarsal stress fracture history in male soccer players: a case-control study. Sports Med Open. 2017;3(1):27. doi:10.1186/s40798-017-0095-y
Writer Bio
I hold a Master's degree in exercise physiology/health promotion. I am a certified fitness specialist through the American College of Spots Medicine and an IYT certified yoga teacher. I have over 25 years experience teaching classes to both general public and those with chronic illness. The above allows me to write directly to the reader based on personal experiences.