Stress fracture of the foot
A stress fracture is a small crack or area of damage in a bone caused by repeated stress rather than one major injury. Stress fractures commonly affect the bones of the foot and can occur in runners, athletes and people who have suddenly increased their activity.
We assess foot pain carefully to determine whether you may have a stress fracture and help you manage the load on the injured bone while it heals. We also assess your footwear, activity levels and lower limb biomechanics to reduce the risk of the injury returning.
What is a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a small crack or area of bone damage that develops when repeated strain is greater than the bone’s ability to repair itself.
Unlike a typical fracture there may not be one obvious injury that causes a stress fracture. Instead it can build gradually over time. It usually develops gradually when repeated stress on a bone is greater than the body’s ability to repair it, though it can also develop more quickly after a sudden increase in activity.
Starting a new sport, increasing your running distance or training intensity, repetitive jumping, changes in training, inadequate recovery and the way your foot and lower limbs move can all place extra stress on the bones of the foot. Over time, this repeated loading can cause a small crack or area of damage to develop in the bone.
Because the symptoms can look like other forefoot problems, getting the right diagnosis is important so the treatment supports the joint properly.
How it can feel:
- Localised pain in one area of the foot
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Tenderness directly over the bone
- Swelling around the painful area
- Pain that may eventually occur even when resting
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- Pain in a very specific area of the foot
- Pain that gets worse during exercise
- Pain that improves with rest
- Tenderness when pressing directly over the bone
- Swelling around the painful area
- Pain that starts occurring during everyday activities
See a podiatrist if:
- You have persistent localised foot pain
- The pain is getting worse with activity
- You have pain when walking
- There is swelling around the foot
- You have recently increased your training
- You suspect you may have a stress fracture
If a stress fracture is suspected it is important to reduce the load on the foot and have it assessed rather than trying to push through the pain.
How we treat stress fractures
The first priority with a stress fracture is protecting the injured bone while it heals.
Stage 1: Reduce stress on the bone
We assess your symptoms and activity levels and recommend appropriate activity modification. Depending on the location and severity of the injury you may need to temporarily reduce or stop high-impact activities.
Stage 2: Support recovery
We help you gradually return to normal activity once the bone has had enough time to heal. We may also assess your footwear and lower limb biomechanics to identify factors that could be increasing stress through the foot.
We also find the cause
A sudden increase in activity, poor footwear and biomechanical factors can all contribute to excessive stress on the bones of the foot. We assess these factors and create a plan to reduce the risk of another injury.
Where appropriate, we may recommend referral for imaging or further medical assessment to confirm the diagnosis.
Recovery & rehab
How long does it take?
Many foot stress fractures require around six to eight weeks of reduced pressure to heal, although recovery time varies depending on the bone involved and the severity of the injury.
Why the right approach matters
Even once the bone is no longer painful it needs time to gradually tolerate normal activity again. Returning to running or sport too quickly can increase the risk of re-injury.
How we help you stay pain free:
- Activity modification
- Footwear assessment
- Biomechanical assessment
- Gradual return to walking and exercise
- Strengthening of the foot and lower limb
- Advice on training loads
- Orthotics if appropriate
Our goal is to protect the injury while it heals and then help you return to your normal activities safely.
Summary
- Our goal is simple: to settle your pain, protect the injured bone and help you return to activity safely.
- At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just treat the painful area. We assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand why the bone became overloaded, then address the root cause to reduce the risk of the problem returning.
- Your treatment plan is built around you, combining activity modification, footwear advice and biomechanical support with a gradual return to activity as the bone heals.
- Whether you’re a runner, athlete or simply dealing with unexplained foot pain, we’re here to help you support the healing process, restore normal function and get you back on your feet.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.
This page was prepared and reviewed by our podiatrists Dr Emilia Arif Stephen (POD0002562365) and Dr Justine Jose (POD0002903648). It is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment.
Please book an appointment for a thorough assessment. Last reviewed:
October 2026.