A foot stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive stress or overuse rather than a single traumatic injury. It can occur when the foot twists the wrong way, changes direction quickly, or endures repeated high-impact activities. Recovery can take six weeks to several months, depending on severity and adherence to treatment. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture with imaging, recommend immobilization or protective footwear, and create a personalized plan to promote healing and prevent reinjury. Ignoring symptoms can lead to prolonged pain or complications. If you have foot pain, and think it may be a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lateral foot pain refers to discomfort along the outer edge of the foot and may result from overuse, injury, poor foot mechanics, or conditions such as cuboid syndrome. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone is partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to sharp pain, weakness, or instability, especially during weight-bearing activities. Risk factors include ankle sprains, improper footwear, and repetitive stress. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause of lateral foot pain, perform necessary adjustments, provide custom orthotics, and recommend stretching and strengthening exercises. If you have persistent outer foot pain, do not ignore the symptoms. It is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When treating foot problems in people with systemic conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, a coordinated approach is essential. These health issues can quietly affect the feet, leading to complications such as poor circulation, nerve damage, joint deformities, or slow-healing wounds. Proper management often requires collaboration between podiatrists and other health care providers. In people with diabetes, monitoring for skin changes, numbness, and ulcers is critical, as unnoticed injuries can progress quickly. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and joint damage can alter foot shape and function, increasing the risk of pain, instability, and skin problems. Regular foot exams, custom orthotics, and wearing appropriate footwear are often part of a long-term care plan. If you have diabetes or arthritis and are noticing changes in your feet, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist to prevent complications and protect your overall health.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.