Stress fractures and other internal foot pains
Stress fracture
Description
Stress fracture in an incomplete crack in the bone caused by overuse. A foot that is not structurally sound is prone to developing stress fractures.
Even a normal foot can easily develop a stress fracture from repetitive use; symptoms may include pain, redness, and swelling.
Some likely causes:
- Sudden increased activity level
- Overuse or strain of the foot
- Medical conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes
- Medications such as steroids
What we can do
- Prescribe medications when indicated
- Perform a physical examination
- Immobilize or cast the foot/leg
- Prescribe custom orthotics for long term control and prevention
- Prescribe imaging
Neuroma
Description
A neuroma is a painful condition often referred to as a pinched nerve, swollen nerve, or nerve tumor.
It is defined more specifically as a benign growth of nerve tissue, frequently found between the second and third or third and fourth or fourth and fifth intermetatarsal spaces. This may result in pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes and in the ball of the foot.
It is usually exacerbated by tight shoes or the foot structure causing the foot to experience abnormal forces and pressure.
Some likely causes:
- Heredity – poor foot structure leading to poor foot function
- Improper or ill-fitting shoes
- Trauma
- High heeled shoes
What we can do
- Refer for X-ray evaluation to rule out other causes
- Perform a physical examination
- Recommend padding and taping
- Prescribe custom orthotics
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication
- Administer cortisone injections