Metatarsal Stress Fracture

What is Metatarsal Stress Fracture?

Metatarsal stress fracture is a medical condition that seems only a few knows. Unfortunately, this condition has been pestering us since the olden times. The metatarsal bones are a group of long bones of our feet. This can develop as a person has undergone a strenuous exercise or activity of specific bones uncommonly used. This is well aggravated with weight bearing exercises that lead to stress of the metatarsal. The metatarsal stress fracture is also referred as the incomplete fracture of bones. This is highly brought about overuse, as already mentioned. Fatigue is then correlated with this condition.

The number of cases for such condition stays unknown, because such condition is not readily taken action by the affected. As reported, most of stress fractures, about 95% involves the lower extremities.

Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Metatarsal Stress Fracture Symptoms

It is essential that both feet are checked in order to make sure what the involving areas of the foot are. Those affected of such condition usually complains of the following symptoms:

1. Pain or discomfort is aggravated during an extreme exercise regimen. The condition then tends to become dull at start, but it shall progress without rest.
2. The affected foot seems to be swelling. Warmth is accompanied by such symptom.
3. Bruising is noted on the affected area. This usually develops 24 hours after the affectation.
4. The affected shall have difficulty in bearing weight.
5. Slight deformity is observed on the affected foot.

Causes for Metatarsal Stress Fracture

There are a number of causes of metatarsal stress fracture. There are also noted factors that influence the development of such condition. The following are the said causes of metatarsal stress fracture:

1. Abrupt change in the intensity of the exercise can facilitate the development of the condition. The change in duration and frequency are the known factors that trigger for stress fracture.
2. New footwear can also be pointed out as a cause of metatarsal stress fracture. This is due to the fact that some shoes at start are uncomfortable.
3. Leaving out rest periods during a strenuous activity such as weight lifting can affect the foot. This can place stress on the foot area, particularly the metatarsals. Increasing physical stress is in congruence with increasing disability of the foot.
4. Osteoporosis. This is the decreasing bone density that may alleviate or precipitate the development of metatarsal stress fracture.
5. Arthritis. This is a possible predisposing condition that can assist in the development of metatarsal stress fracture.
6. Neuropathic foot. This can be structure deformities such as flatfoot. There are great chances that a person is prone to the development of metatarsal stress fracture because of the neuropathic form of the foot/feet.

Diagnosis

There are a number of diagnostic examinations for metatarsal stress fracture:

• ESR – This is a known medical workup for identifying rheumatoid arthritis. As this has believed to be a link to the condition. A rheumatoid panel is also done to make sure that the condition is not caused by arthritis or is precipitated by this.
• Radiographic studies – These are important tests in order to detect any fracture problems. This shall help view the metatarsal and find a fracture line that indicates the presence of the problem. The test shall take a long time for it is much advisable to take an x-ray after three months on the onset of the presenting symptoms. Only about 50% of cases are observed in an x-ray film.                                         Picture : X ray showing Stress Fracture of the second metatarsal with evident bone callus
• Bone scan – This is said to be helpful as this can demonstrate the presence of stress fractures. This is much reliable for results are very much attainable that it can show any form of stress fracture within 72 hours after the scan.
• Ultrasound – An ultrasound can be of help in detecting stress fractures.

Treatment for Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Treatment for metatarsal stress fracture should be provided as soon as the symptoms are experienced. There should be no lag time so that worsening of the condition is avoided. The following are the said medical remedies for metatarsal stress fracture:

1. Physical therapy. This is highly essential since this can provide initial mobilization of the affected area. This is important so to avoid straining the foot. During a physical therapy, gradual exercises are provided in order not to provide abrupt affects on the foot. Discomfort is initially sensed and is unavoidable.
2. Analgesics. These are essential in order to relieve the client’s discomfort.
3. NSAIDs. These are usually prescribed by doctors in order to relieve swelling and pain.
4. Surgery. There are instances that surgery is needed as the metatarsals are greatly damaged. This shall need recovery phase as a number of restrictions after the surgery.

Recovery Time

The patient can attain full recovery can be attained after the treatment of 4 weeks. This recovery time is attained gradually. The patient by this time is prohibited from doing any weight bearing exercises. Extreme exercises should be avoided since it can be strenuous to the client and it can also worsen the condition of the client.
Metatarsal Stress Fracture Vs Tendonitis

The two conditions are usually sought as same conditions. This is likely because both have the likely manifestations. Tendonitis is a condition that is in general for it affects a number of areas of the body while metatarsal stress fracture is a local condition affecting the foot.