A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that often develops from repetitive stress rather than a sudden injury. Athletes are particularly prone to stress fractures due to recurring movements, overtraining, wearing poor footwear, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Managing stress fractures usually involves rest, activity modification, supportive footwear, and a gradual return to sports. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis through imaging, recommend treatment options, and guide rehabilitation to prevent further injury. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain or suspect a stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist for expert care to help you heal properly and return to your activities safely.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In-toeing, sometimes called pigeon-toed walking, occurs when a child’s toes point inward while walking or running. It is commonly related to the rotation of the tibia in the lower leg or the femur in the upper leg. These changes in alignment usually occur during growth and often resolve on their own as a child develops. While in-toeing is typically painless, it may cause a child to trip more often or appear clumsy, which can be concerning for parents. Risk factors include family history, positioning in the womb, or sitting habits such as the “W” position. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s feet, ankles, and legs to determine the cause of the in-toeing, observe gait patterns, and check for underlying bone abnormalities. In rare situations where bone deformities persist, surgery may be considered. If you have noticed unusual gait problems in your child, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.