San Antonio Podiatrist Discusses Stress Fractures in Runners

July 26, 2011 - PRLog -- News Release


Media Contact:  
Dr. Ed Davis
210-490-3668


San Antonio, Texas,  July 27, 2011  — Stress fractures of the foot are becoming more common in runners, especially first-time marathoners, according to San Antonio, Texas foot and ankle surgeon Eddie Davis, DPM, FACFAS .

The growing popularity of marathons among beginning runners has contributed to the increase in repetitive stress injuries, including stress fractures of the foot, seen by Dr. Davis, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Often, first-time marathoners enter a race with little or improper long-distance training. The lack of experience coupled with the repetitive impact placed on the feet during the run can produce enough stress to cause hairline breaks in the bones of the foot.

One way to envision how stress fractures occur is to consider what occurs when bending a paper clip. Repetitive bending causes microscopic hairline cracks in the steel which enlarge with repeated bending with the paper clip eventually breaking.

“Runners who increase their mileage too quickly or change to a more intense phase of training may be more susceptible to a stress fracture due to the increased force placed on the bones,” says Dr. Davis. “A general rule of thumb for runners is to increase the mileage by no more than 10 percent each week. Runners who are training also need to have adequate rest time in between runs to help decrease the risk of a fracture.”

Runners at all levels of experience are also at higher risk for stress fractures if they wear improper shoes while running or training, suffer from flatfoot or other foot deformities, or have osteoporosis. Signs of a stress fracture can include pain, swelling, redness and possibly bruising of the area.


Stress Fractures and Runners

“Stress fractures can occur anywhere in the foot and can eventually lead to a complete break of the bone if left untreated,” Dr. Davis explained.  “Early diagnosis and treatment are important to ensure proper healing.”

If a break is suspected, Dr. Davis advises runners to immediately follow the RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. If pain and swelling last longer than a few days, an appointment for an x-ray and diagnosis is in order.  New stress fractures may not show up on X-ray.  Sonography or diagnostic ultrasound is a promising method for early diagnosis of stress fractures especially metatarsal stress fractures.  Dr. Davis employs ultrasound technology in his offices in San Antonio.

In most cases, treatment includes rest and immobilization with casting of the foot. Surgery may be required in certain instances to repair and stabilize a stress fracture that has progressed into a full fracture.

Runners can take action to prevent repetitive stress injuries in their feet by wearing supportive athletic shoes and slowly building up their activity levels according to their abilities. “If a runner suffers from abnormal mechanics in the foot, such as overpronation or hypermobility, prescription orthotics can also be helpful to prevent these injuries,” Dr. Davis, adds.  

If you suspect you have a foot injury or fracture, call Dr. Davis’ office at 210-490-3668 for an evaluation.  

For additional information on stress fractures and other foot injuries, visit FootHealthFacts.org or Dr. Davis' website:  http://www.southtexaspodiatrist.com/
The Heel Pain Website:  http://www.heelpain.pro/

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Podiatric medicine and surgery. Over 25 years of experience successfully treating foot and ankle problems. Offices in the Stone Oak and Live Oak areas of San Antonio.

Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons