Stress fractures are fairly common among people who participate in a high amount of physical activity on their feet. If you do not take care to protect your feet from injury and wear the proper footwear when participating in physical activities, you can easily find yourself with a stress fracture. For help treat a stress fracture in your foot or ankle, contact your family doctor for advice.
Most people have three metatarsals. The first metatarsal is the front foot, or first metatarsal. The second metatarsal is the back foot, or second metatarsal. The third metatarsal is also referred to as the "insertion" foot. These names refer to the fact that the placement of the first metatarsal is the most important factor in determining how well your foot works and what type of injury you are likely to develop.
When a stress fracture occurs in your first metatarsal, you will likely feel a sharp pain in the front of your foot. The pain will decrease as you move your feet forward. You will probably notice that your shoes begin to hurt as you walk, run or perform physical therapy on your foot. If you perform physical therapy on the injured foot without any improvement, you should see a foot care specialist for an appropriate evaluation.
In most cases, you can return to daily activities and stop wearing your shoe after about two weeks. Shoe orthotics can be used to reduce pressure on the injured foot. Some people opt to use crutches to help increase the strength of their muscles around the ankle. If you choose this option, be sure to always wear the orthotic in your shoe the entire time you are standing. You may want to have your doctor to customize the shoe orthotics to fit your foot better. This way you have less chance of slipping and falling while walking.
One important thing to remember when wearing a walking shoe with an orthotic is to always wear the heel part of the shoe. When your feet can flex, the stronger the leg is and the less chance you have of developing a stress fracture. A strong heel can also help keep your foot supported as you walk.
To help keep your feet comfortable while walking, it is important that you have good arch support. A straight arch is the most efficient way to heal your foot. If your foot rolls to the outward when walking, this will decrease the flow of blood to the injured area. An open toe makes your foot roll to the inward when you are walking, which increases the potential for injury. Wearing a well-designed ankle brace can reduce pressure on the bones and cartilage while protecting the tissue.
Toe protection needs to be combined with shoe orthotics to provide maximum arch support and comfort while walking. Open toe shoes are not a good choice for those suffering from an injury. People with a wide arch usually need the most breathability possible for healing. Square toe shoes are good choices for those suffering from an injury because they offer maximum arch support for the entire foot. This type of shoe also provides great breathability. There is a wide range of different, breathable styles available, but the best option is still a pair with both arch support and breathability.