Did you know that stress fractures as well as other foot-related injuries increase when the weather turns cold? In fact, hospitals see up to a 500 percent increase in emergency room visits during the winter months due to slip and fall accidents that can cause stress fractures. If stress fractures are left untreated, it can result in an injury that is even worse, for example, a complete break.
How Stress Fractures Occur
Sometimes, it is not one single situation or movement that causes a stress fracture to occur. There are a wide variety of causes for stress fractures, include routine movements in athletes or the repetitive motion that puts stress on the foot. During the winter months, stress fractures may occur due to snow-related sports such as skiing or snowboarding. They also may occur during ice skating, sledding or simply falling on a patch of unexpected ice.
Signs of a Stress Fracture
Make sure that you are aware of the signs of a stress fracture so that you can seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for pain, swelling and redness around your feet and ankles. Bruising may also be a possibility, and the pain occurs on the top of the foot. You may also notice that pain revolves around certain activities, but it stops when you rest.
Treatment
Treating a stress fracture is essential to making sure it does not progress into something worse. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are all beneficial ways to start the healing process. Wearing a surgical shoe or a cast is also helpful during the healing process.
If you or a loved one is suffering from ongoing pain in your foot or ankle, it is time to seek professional help. Contact our podiatrists today to schedule an appointment.