Our articles usually are not designed to interchange medical recommendation. In case you have an damage we advocate seeing a professional well being skilled. To guide an appointment with Tom Goom (AKA ‘The Working Physio’) go to our clinic web page. We provide each in-person assessments and on-line consultations.
I noticed a runner just lately with a gradual onset of lateral foot ache and swelling. Signs had worsened after a race and strolling was now painful and tough. They’d no early morning stiffness however did report ache at night time. This historical past mixed with bony tenderness on palpation raised my suspicions for a fifth metatarsal stress fracture.
These are thought of excessive threat as a result of impaired blood provide in that area which might delay therapeutic. This is determined by the placement of the stress fracture:
Graphic tailored from Zwitser and Breederveld (2010).
Surgical procedure is usually required and it typically means a prolonged interval away from sport so when you suspect a high-risk stress fracture it’s finest to rearrange an investigation asap. It will assist decide the placement and severity of the bone stress damage.
An X-ray is a wise first step to rule out a real fracture however will typically miss stress fractures. MRI is taken into account gold customary though fifth metatarsal stress fractures can typically be seen on ultrasound.
In case you are extremely suspicious of a stress fracture it could be essential to supply crutches and advocate a interval of partial or non-weight bearing, particularly if there may be ache whereas strolling.
In our runner’s case luckily the MRI dominated out a stress fracture which permits us to press on with rehab and be guided by signs with out concern of a extra critical damage.
To be taught extra about evaluation and remedy of stress fractures and all key operating accidents be a part of us on the Working Repairs Course. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
