Stress Fractures of the Foot

Stress fractures can occur to different parts of the foot and some may be potentially severe depending on the site of injury. Stress fractures of the metatarsals (excluding the 5th) can be treated with a brief period of rest and immobilisation in a walker boot or cast. Walker boots are a better alternative to casting as it allows the injured person to weight bear and also to shower with the boot removed. Click here to browse specialised products that may assist with syndesmosis injuries.

In contrast, stress fractures of the navicular and 5th metatarsal require a longer recovery period and may sometimes require surgical fixation due to their poor blood supply.

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the 4th metatarsal despite playing through the 2008 Boxing Day Test series against South Africa.

A walker boot may be used to heal a stress fracture of the foot.