Should a runner worry about a stress fracture in the foot?
A runner deals with aches and pains all the time. Often the pain isn’t a sign of a significant problem. Other types of pain can be worrisome and could suggest that she has a stress fracture. How can you know if it is a big deal? And what can you do about it? In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I offer my thoughts on the evaluation of possible stress fractures of the feet in joggers and runners. http://challenge.drdavidgeier.com/ds/... I want to help you! Please take a few seconds to share the biggest challenge or struggle you’re facing with your injury! Click here! http://www.drdavidgeier.com/ask-dr-ge... Click the link above for more information about stress fractures and other resources for your sports or exercise injury. Get The Serious Injury Checklist FREE! How can you know if your injury should get better in a few days or if it's more serious? This checklist can help you plan your next step to recover quickly and safely. http://www.sportsmedicinesimplified.com Please note: I don't respond to questions and requests for specific medical advice left in the comments to my videos. I receive too many to keep up (several hundred per week), and legally I can't offer specific medical advice to people who aren't my patients (see below). If you want to ask a question about a specific injury you have, leave it in the comments below, and I might answer it in an upcoming Ask Dr. Geier video. If you need more detailed information on your injury, go to my Resources page: https://www.drdavidgeier.com/resources/ The content of this YouTube Channel, / drdavidgeier (“Channel”) is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Channel may offer health, fitness, nutritional and other such information, but such information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. The content does not and is not intended to convey medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. You should consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained on this Channel. You agree that Dr. Geier is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented on the Channel. Dr. David Geier Enterprises, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of the content. USE OF THE CONTENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Becky asks: I am pretty sure I have a stress fracture in my heel. The podiatrist said I do not need X-ray. She would be able to tell because when she pressed there, I would have pain. I ran a 1/2 marathon, full marathon and a 50k last month. When I run I get a sharp pain on the outer side of my foot, below my ankle bone. Any suggestions? Stress fractures are caused by too much stress to a particular bone without enough time to heal. The microscopic stresses add up, especially as the runner increases training. If she continues to push through pain, a stress fracture can develop. An orthopaedic surgeon can diagnose some stress fractures by history and physical exam with additional x-rays. Others might require an MRI. In this video, I discuss the evaluation of foot pain and possible stress fractures in runners and when you might consider getting your pain evaluated by a doctor. Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.
