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 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 do you treat a metatarsal stress reaction?

The primary treatment of bony stress reactions or stress fractures is rest to allow the lesions to heal. This may range from simply avoiding the sport or activity that causes pain to limited weightbearing, even sometimes with crutches.

What is a stress reaction in the foot?

Stress fractures occur when the loading on the bone is greater than the bone’s ability to adapt to stress. Before the bone fractures, there can be pain in the area due to swelling and abnormal remodeling. This is termed a stress reaction, and can be seen on specialized imaging.

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 a stress reaction in foot take to heal?

In addition to the RICE protocol and anti-inflammatory medication, your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to keep weight off your foot until the pain subsides. Other recommendations for nonsurgical treatment may include: Modified activities. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for a stress fracture to heal.

What’s the difference between a stress reaction and a stress fracture?

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.

Can I walk with a metatarsal stress fracture?

How Is a Metatarsal Stress Fracture Treated? Treatment of a metatarsal stress fracture requires a period of rest from your activity, usually at least 3-4 weeks. If there is pain with daily activities, you may need to use crutches or a walking boot for a short time until you can walk comfortably without pain.

Can I walk with a stress reaction?

Doctors do not recommend walking when you have a stress fracture because it may reopen the partially healed fracture, and you may have to begin the recovery process again. Although you can walk, doctors would recommend staying away from hard surfaces and not walking long distances.

How can you tell the difference between stress fracture and stress reaction?

Is a stress reaction different than a stress fracture?

Will a walking boot help a stress fracture?

You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages. The boot you have been given is for your comfort only and is not needed to aid fracture healing but will help to settle your symptoms and should be worn for walking for 6 weeks.