Ankle Stress Fracture Signs and Symptoms: What You Should Know
A strong and healthy body ensures a healthy and active lifestyle. Any pain or discomfort in the body hampers your daily functioning and social life. An ankle stress fracture is one such condition that can really affect the simplest of functions, from walking and standing to performing other physical activities.
An ankle stress fracture is a serious condition that causes pain and discomfort in your ankle. It is generally caused by overuse and pressure on certain parts of the ankle bone. The constant pressure of standing, walking, and other physical activities can cause a small crack or bruise in the bone, leading to pain and mobility issues.
People usually dismiss ankle pain as mild discomfort. However, these simple issues can turn into serious health problems in the long run. It is important to identify such fractures immediately and get diagnosed and treated by a foot and ankle doctor. We explore the signs and symptoms of ankle stress fractures in this blog so you can take precautions and necessary recovery measures.
What Is an Ankle Stress Fracture?
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone due to constant pressure or stress. It can occur due to overuse or repetitive pressure on the same part of the bone. People who are physically active, athletic, or perform physical labor every day are prone to ankle stress fractures.
Traumatic fractures, on the other hand, are severe cracks in the bone caused by significant pressure from a sudden and intense force, like an injury or accident. They cause larger, more serious cracks that might even displace the bone.
Ankle stress fractures are different from traumatic fractures in the following ways:
- There are slight bruises or cracks in the bone caused by overuse or repetitive activities over time.
- The pain develops gradually and gets worse over time.
- These fractures can be caused by changes in activity, such as increasing the intensity of a workout, starting a new exercise regimen, or changing workout surfaces.
Risk Factors for Ankle Stress Fractures
Ankle stress fractures are more likely to happen in certain situations or activities. You should consider the following risk factors to protect your feet:
- Athletes and active individuals
Athletes and active individuals who perform high-intensity activities on a regular basis are more likely to suffer from ankle stress fractures.
- People with poor footwear or improper form
Good footwear provides cushioning and protection from external forces. People who wear poor footwear and perform activities (exercises, weight lifting, sports) with improper techniques are more likely to suffer from stress fractures.
- Age and bone density concerns
Bone density lowers with age, causing different bone disorders. Weakened bones can also lead to ankle stress fractures.
Signs of an Ankle Stress Fracture
Ankle stress fractures are characterized by pain that subsides when resting and returns when standing, walking, or performing other activities. The pain will be very specific to the area or location where the bone is bruised or cracked. Other obvious signs of an ankle stress fracture include:
- Swollen ankles
- Tenderness when pressing on specific spots
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that persists even at rest
When to See a Doctor
The ankles are very important parts that enable us to stand and perform daily activities by supporting our weight and providing mobility. It is important to ensure they are in the best condition. If you experience any kind of pain or discomfort, you should visit a doctor immediately.
Ankle doctors can examine and determine the exact issue and provide immediate relief as well as long-term solutions. If ankle issues are ignored and the ankles experience stress for a longer duration, they can get worse and might even need surgery in the worst cases. A healthcare provider can determine the location and extent of the ankle issue by:
- Checking your medical history, including previous injuries
- Using imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs
Treatment Options for Ankle Stress Fractures
The treatment options for ankle stress fractures depend on the severity of the condition. Some can be treated with simple household remedies, while severe cases might even require surgery from ankle specialists. Some common treatment options are:
- Rest and activity modification
In mild cases, stress fractures can be healed just by getting enough rest and not putting weight on the affected foot. You should stop the activity that caused the fracture in the first place, and the bone should start healing the crack itself. You should refrain from high-impact activities until the fracture has healed completely to avoid chances of reinjury.
- Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications
Icing and elevating the affected ankle can help soothe the stress fracture and prevent swelling and pain. You can also take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aleve.
- Wearing a boot or brace for support
Doctors may recommend a walking boot or brace to make sure your fracture doesn’t get worse. A walking boot can support and protect your ankle from further stress.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
If the stress fracture is more serious, you will need professional help. Certain stress fractures require casts for additional support and protection by keeping the bones in a fixed position. While this helps heal the fracture, it can lead to a loss of muscle mass. Physical therapy may be required to restore muscle mass and mobility. It will help with the rehabilitation and can strengthen your ankle for a wide range of activities.
- Surgical Treatment
If the stress fracture is severe, you might even need surgical treatment. It will usually include inserting specialized internal fixations like screws, pins, or plates to hold the small bones in the ankle together.
Take Care of Your Ankle
Ankle stress fractures are common but also a painful and aggravating condition that can disrupt your health and daily functioning. If you feel acute pain, swelling, or difficulty in walking or performing basic activities, it can be a sign of an ankle stress fracture. If the symptoms do not subside even after resting and taking medications, you should seek professional care immediately. Stress fractures can be avoided by wearing the right footwear and performing exercises to strengthen the ankles and feet. If you suffer from a stress fracture, make sure to seek medical help and rest well to allow your ankle to recover.
