Shin splints and stress fractures can often be mistaken for one another. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones, while shin splints can cause pain in the tendons, muscles, and tissues surrounding the shin bone, also known as the tibia. Stress fractures are often caused by overuse or repetitive force, which is why it is fairly common among runners. Long-distance running, as well as repeated jumping, can lead to a stress fracture, as well as weaken the bones due to osteoporosis. For more information on how to treat stress fractures, and help on differentiating them from shin splints, please speak with a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.