McKinney Foot Doctor Discussed Foot Stress Fractures

Fractures of the foot can be quite common, but also quite serious. There are 28 bones in each foot and considering that our feet area used day in and day out to transport us, they do get a beating. Trauma such at a fall, twist or car accident can result in an occult fracture to the foot or the ankle. These types of fractures are easily diagnosed with x-rays and can be seen immediately after the injury. Treatment for occult fractures is with rest, ice, immobilization, casting, splinting, walking boots, or in some cases with surgery. The severity of the fracture and the health of the patient will dictate the treatment.Stress fractures are not as easy to diagnose and can be a frustrating foot and/or ankle problem to treat for both the physician and the patient. There are several causes of stress fractures. The most common cause is overuse of the foot. A stress fracture can be caused by a strenuous walk, jog, run or activity. Often the onset is gradual as are the physical finding of pain, swelling, redness, fever to the foot and sometimes bruising. Other causes of stress fractures can be systemic. Recurrent stress fractures of the foot, often involving the metatarsals (the long bones of the foot), can be a result of a systemic problem. Osteoporosis, softening of the bones, can lead to stress fractures of the foot or the ankle. Hyperparathyroidism (over activity of the parathyroid gland), tumors of the parathyroid gland, elevated homocysteine levels, Osteitis deformans or Pagets Disease (which is consistent with elevated alkaline phosphatase) all have been associated with recurrent foot stress fractures. Stress fractures can take 2-6 weeks before that are readily visible on x-rays. Sometimes MRI's are helpful in diagnosing stress fractures that are not seen initially on plain film x-rays. Treatment for stress fractures consists of casting, walking boots, rest, ice, elevation, compression, immobilization and sometimes surgery. If you feel that you may have a stress fracture in your foot, please call McKinney Foot and Ankle Center and we will be happy to treat you.Dr. Eric Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist who practices in McKinney and Prosper, Texas. Dr. Kory Williams is a foot and ankle specialist who practices with Dr. Silvers at McKinney Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas and at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Prosper, Texas. Both offices serve the communities of Prosper, McKinney, Frisco, Anna, Allen, Plano, Little Elm, Melissa, Celina and Gunter, Texas.Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams can be contact at 972-542-2155. Our office website is www.advancedfoottexas.com.

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155