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What is a stress fracture of the second metatarsal called?
More force is placed on the second and third metatarsals when walking; therefore, stress fractures and bone remodeling from stress are common in the second or third metatarsal, a condition sometimes called a “marcher’s fracture” after its high incidence among military recruits.
What does a metatarsal stress reaction feel like?
Pain, aching, and tenderness that worsens during and after physical activity or movement. Relief from pain during periods of rest. Swelling on the ankle or top of your foot. Bruising and swelling at the site of the stress fracture.
How do you know if you have a metatarsal stress fracture?
What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?
- Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture.
- Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone.
- Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.
- Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.
How long does a metatarsal stress reaction take to heal?
Return to Play Stress fractures typically take 6-8 weeks to heal. During this time, your doctor will guide you through a progression back to activity. You will need clearance from your doctor before returning to impact activities or team sports.
How long does it take for a stress reaction in the foot to heal?
Many stress fractures of the foot or ankle will heel in 4 to 6 weeks. However, healing times vary, depending on which bone is broken. Some foot bones, such as the navicular or the fifth metatarsal, can take a much longer time to heal than do others.
How long does it take a metatarsal stress reaction to heal?
It may take 4 to 12 weeks for your foot to heal.
How can you tell the difference between stress fracture and stress reaction?
Stress injuries can be classified on a spectrum upon diagnosis: early (stress reaction) or late (stress fracture). A stress reaction that goes untreated will develop into a stress fracture. In a stress fracture, a small crack develops from repetitive trauma, which is usually caused by overuse.
What is a second metatarsal stress fracture?
A metatarsal stress fracture is a fine fracture in one of the long metatarsal bones in the foot. A stress fracture can occur through overuse or poor foot biomechanics. The second metatarsal is the most commonly fractured and will often cause pain in the middle front of the foot.
Are non‐dancers more prone to stress fractures of the second metatarsal?
Non‐proximal metatarsal stress fractures are a more common overuse injury and generally heal with appropriate conservative care. What this study adds Proximal stress fractures of the second metatarsal are possible in non‐dancers.
How is a metatarsal stress fracture diagnosed?
Because of the difficulty in diagnosing a metatarsal stress fracture, a confirmatory diagnosis was sometimes made using MRI or bone scan. All patients received bone densitometry after the diagnosis had been made to determine the contribution of bone mass to the stress fracture.
Does muscle fatique influence the incidence of metatarsal stress fractures?
The influence of muscle fatique on electromyogram and plantar pressure patterns as an explanation for the incidence of metatarsal stress fractures. Am J Sports Med2004321893–1898.