X-ray and image of a foot with a stress fracture.
Stress fractures are a relatively common issue that occurs with the foot. It is possible to get a stress fracture in any bone of the foot but one of the most common bones we see stress fractures in is the metatarsals. Stress fracture are when the inner core of the bone (medullary bone) is fractured but the out cortical bone is still intact. Stress fractures normally develop after an increase in activity or change in shoe gear and can cause pain and swelling to the affected area. It is very important to seek treatment if you think you have a stress fracture in order to be properly immobilized and prevent a complete fracture from occurring.