Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a hairline fracture in foot

by Dr. Lurline Lubowitz DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medical treatments
Your Podiatrist may recommend that you use crutches to keep weight off an injured foot or leg. You can also wear protective footwear or a cast. Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it's important to modify your activities during that time.
Nov 20, 2019

Can you walk with a hairline fracture of the foot?

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.Mar 5, 2021

What can be done for a hairline fracture in the foot?

The majority of hairline fractures will heal by themselves if the person refrains from activities that put a strain on the affected area. For the first 24 to 48 hours, a person can help the healing process by elevating the affected area and applying ice where possible.Oct 26, 2017

What is the fastest way to heal a hairline fracture?

How to Heal a Stress Fracture FasterGet Proper Nutrition. What you put in your body has a great impact on how well you'll heal from your stress fracture. ... Quit Smoking. Better blood flow equals better healing for your bones. ... Eliminate Alcohol. ... Get Plenty of Rest. ... Listen to Your Doctor. ... Get Moderate Exercise.Mar 20, 2019

Is hairline fracture serious?

A hairline fracture might seem like a mild problem, but ignoring the issue and putting further pressure on the bone can lead to a more serious breakage. It's best to visit a doctor and take it easy, especially if you're an athlete. If left untreated, a hairline fracture can quickly become a more debilitating injury.

How can you tell if you have a hairline fracture?

Pain in response to pressure is often the key for your doctor to diagnose a hairline fracture. MRI: The best imaging test for determining hairline fractures is an MRI. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide images of your bones. An MRI will determine a fracture before an X-ray can.

Do hairline fractures show up on xray?

Stress fractures often can't be seen on regular X-rays taken shortly after your pain begins. It can take several weeks — and sometimes longer than a month — for evidence of stress fractures to show on X-rays. Bone scan.May 20, 2021

Can hairline fractures heal on its own?

The majority of hairline fractures will heal by themselves if the person refrains from activities that put a strain on the affected area. For the first 24 to 48 hours, a person can help the healing process by elevating the affected area and applying ice where possible.Nov 22, 2017

Does hairline fracture need plaster?

It is always better to put a plaster in any case of fracture. It gives complete rest to the fracture and other soft tissue structures around it for it to heal.Sep 6, 2018

Is a hairline fracture a broken bone?

A “non-displaced fracture” is one in which the bone has broken, but the pieces have not moved. Many people may have heard of this referred to as a “hairline fracture.” Non-displaced fractures can often be treated by keeping the affected area immobilized with a splint or brace, but sometimes require further treatment.Dec 9, 2020

What is the difference between a fracture and a hairline fracture?

A fracture by definition is a broken bone, so no, there is no difference. However, many people use the word “fracture” to mean a hairline fracture in a bone. While some may say fracture to mean a slight crack while a break is a full separation of the bone, these are just common usage rather than official definition.

What is a hairline fracture and what are the treatments?

A hairline fracture is a small crack or bruise within a bone. Athletes are prone to these injuries. Often, running or jumping could result in a hairline fracture in the foot bones, including the heel, ankle or bones at the top of the foot (navicular). The injuries can be painful, but in some cases can be hard to notice.

How does a bone doctor diagnose a hairline fracture?

When you meet with the bone doctor, you will receive a physical examination. The doctor will inspect the injured area and will likely apply gentle pressure to see if it causes pain. The following tests may be administered:

What is a hairline fracture?

A hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone. This injury is most common in athletes, especially athletes of sports that involve running and jumping. People with osteoporosis can also develop hairline fractures. Hairline fractures are often caused by overuse or repetitive actions ...

How long does it take for a hairline fracture to heal?

You can also wear protective footwear or a cast. Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it’s important to modify your activities during that time. Cycling and swimming are great alternatives to more high-impact exercises.

How to diagnose hairline fracture?

Pain in response to pressure is often the key for your doctor to diagnose a hairline fracture. MRI: The best imaging test for determining hairline fractures is an MRI. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide images of your bones. An MRI will determine a fracture before an X-ray can.

What is the best medicine for swelling?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin (Bayer) can help with pain and swelling. It’s important to seek further treatment from your doctor if the pain becomes severe or doesn’t get better with rest.

How to treat a fractured foot?

The idea is to keep the injured foot above the level of your heart in order to decrease swelling. Take some acetaminophen. Your fracture is likely to cause some considerable pain, so treat the pain safely while promoting healing in your bones.

How to reduce swelling in foot after fracture?

Once your foot is wrapped, sit or lie down and elevate your foot above the level of your heart to further decrease swelling. For tips about how to recognize the symptoms of a fracture in your foot, keep reading.

What is a fracture in the foot called?

A fracture is a break in your bone or the surrounding cartilage, and the severity of a foot fracture can range from what is called a "hairline" or "stress" fracture to a full break across the foot.

What to do if you have a fractured bone?

Your fracture is likely to cause some considerable pain, so treat the pain safely while promoting healing in your bones. Avoid naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, which some doctors believe have the potential to delay the healing process with bone injuries.

How to stop bleeding from a fracture?

Stop any bleeding and immobilize the fracture. Place ABV pads or other clean, padded-type cloth over the wound. Do not attempt to bandage, as this will aggravate the injury. If you have a blanket or a pillow, long bandages or pins, you can make a support splint for the injury.

What is a foot fracture?

Article Summary X. A foot fracture is a beak in the bone or cartilage of your feet and can range in severity from a small, hairline fra cture to a full break across the whole foot.

What to do if you suspect someone has a broken foot?

If you suspect that someone has a broken foot, it's important that he receives medical treatment to assess the severity of the break and devise a treatment plan.

What is the best test for hairline fractures?

MRI is the best imaging test for determining hairline fractures. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide your bone images. An MRI determines a fracture before an X-ray can.

Where is the Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic located?

We at Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic are conveniently located in Central Part of Singapore at Gleneagles Medical Centre. Please feel free to contact us regarding treatment of hairline fractures. We provide same day appointment and X-ray/MRI prior advanced arrangement.

Can a bone scan show a hairline fracture?

This substance accumulates in areas where bones are repairing. But because this test will indicate an increased blood supply to a particular area, it won’t specifically prove there’s a hairline fracture.

What happens when you get injured?

During injuries, our body’s immune system will kick in. Chemical signals are released by the brain to widen capillaries which will result in increased blood flow to the injured area. The white blood cells will then fight against any infection present. This increase in fluid causes swelling which is visible on the outside and can be relieved through the use of ice packs or anti-inflammatory medication.

Does pain go away at rest?

Pain develops gradually in patients. The pain is only present during instances of weight bearing and will go away at rest. It is different from an ankle sprain whereby pain is present throughout. In some patients with higher pain tolerances, they may not be able to feel this pain as the endorphins produced during activities can mask it, misleading the patients and result in more serious consequences.

Can stress fractures cause pain?

When patients ignore the doctors advice to rest and choose to continue playing, their condition can worsen and there is a high risk that the stress fracture has already evolved into a complete fracture. Pain can be felt throughout even when the patient is at rest.

What is a hairline fracture?

A hairline fracture is a type of crack in the surface layer or outer shell of an object, such as a bone. Hairline fractures are usually very small and often go unnoticed. However, they can be serious if not treated properly. They are so-called because they can be described as thin lines or hairline cracks, although a fracture is typically not ...

How long does it take for a stress fracture to heal?

It usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a stress fracture. During this time, it's suggested you modify your activities and reduce or completely eliminate high impact exercises.

How to heal a fractured foot?

Focus on exercising other parts of your body while your foot heals. You may not need to give up on exercise altogether while your fracture is healing. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about doing low-impact exercises (e.g., swimming), or strength training that focuses on your upper body.

How long does it take for a foot fracture to heal?

Refrain from exercise that impacts your feet for 6-8 weeks. Healing a foot stress fracture is not a quick process by any means. The longer you can stay off your feet, however, the faster the fracture will heal. Don't even think about running or playing ball or exercising until it is completely healed.

What is stress fracture?

This article has been viewed 770,600 times. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or stress. They often result from overuse of the bone. Stress fractures can cause significant discomfort, especially in areas of weight-bearing use, such as the foot.

How to tell if you have a stress fracture in your foot?

Recognize the symptoms of a stress fracture in your foot. The first sign of a stress fracture may be a slight discomfort towards the front of the foot. This is the part of the foot that often takes the brunt of stress during repetitive activities.

How to heal a swollen foot?

Ice your foot. Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks in between. Wrap the ice in cloth to protect your skin. Compress the area gently with a soft, loosely-wrapped bandage.

Who is the Bunion King?

This article was co-authored by Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS. Dr. Neal Blitz is a Podiatrist and Foot & Ankle Surgeon who runs private practices in New York City and in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Blitz is “The Bunion King®” and is the creator of the Bunionplasty® Procedure (plastic surgery for bunions) which has revolutionized bunion surgery. He has over 17 years of podiatric experience and specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Blitz received his DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, then completed a residency focused on Elective & Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Swedish Medical Center, and was awarded an AO Trauma fellowship in Dresden, Germany, focused on trauma and reconstructive techniques. He is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery and is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS). This article has been viewed 769,579 times.

How to prevent stress fractures?

If you feel uncomfortable or experience pain during exercise, stop immediately. Use good, well-maintained exercise equipment to help prevent stress fractures. Stress fractures may occur when your equipment forces you to adopt improper technique.

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