Blog Post

Some foot fractures — particularly stress fractures — can start as a dull ache and go unnoticed until they worsen. If you’ve been dealing with unexplained foot pain, it’s time to pay attention before it turns into a bigger problem.

At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide expert foot fracture care in Schertz, Live Oak, and San Antonio, Texas. Our physicians are known for consistently exceeding expectations and getting patients back to active lives sooner, thanks to our highly customized treatment plans.

You might be surprised to learn that many people who come in with unexplained minor foot symptoms have fractures they didn’t realize they had. It’s common because most people assume a foot fracture must be obvious — swelling, bruising, and intense pain. 

While this is true for some fractures, others, like stress fractures, develop gradually with subtle symptoms.

Understanding stress fractures

Stress fractures are small bone cracks that develop due to repeated stress and impact. They’re a common injury in active people, particularly athletes and people with physically demanding jobs. Stress fractures account for around 10% of foot and ankle injuries in both competitive and recreational athletes, but they can happen to anyone.

They’re often overlooked. Some of the signs of a stress fracture are:

Gradual pain increase

Unlike a full break, stress fractures don’t happen suddenly. Instead, they start slowly and worsen over time. 

Swelling and tenderness

A stress fracture often causes swelling and tenderness over the affected area, with the most commonly affected areas being the top of the foot or around the toes. The swelling may be mild but can become more pronounced as the fracture worsens.

Pain increases after exercise 

A stress fracture may not cause any symptoms during exercise. However, a developing stress fracture often causes pain that appears suddenly after exercise, when you’re at rest. 

Dull ache at night 

A persistent dull ache, especially at night, can be a subtle sign of a stress fracture. This discomfort may not seem severe initially but can gradually become more noticeable.

Foot weakness or instability 

Some patients experience a sensation of weakness or instability — as if your foot could give out at any moment. This can lead to minor changes in the way you walk, as you subconsciously shift weight away from the painful area. Eventually, this may cause stumbling or falls.

Bruising 

Although less common, some people may notice bruising or warmth near the fracture site. This could be inflammation or increased blood flow to the injured area.

Other foot fractures

Beyond stress fractures, other fractures in your feet can also go unnoticed, especially if they don’t cause immediate severe pain. 

For example, Lisfranc fractures occur in the midfoot, particularly the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints that connect the metatarsal bones of the forefoot to the tarsal bones of the rearfoot. They’re often mistaken for simple sprains.

Expert care for foot fractures

If you suspect a foot fracture, it’s crucial to rest, ice the area, and reach out to our office ASAP. Without proper care, the fracture can worsen, leading to longer recovery times or even a complete fracture.

Don’t take a chance on your foot health. If you’re concerned about any foot injury, contact our team to make your appointment at the nearest Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine now.