Can you walk on a hairline fracture?

Many people continue their regular day-to-day schedules with a stress fracture because the pain isn't unbearable like it is with other fractures. For instance, a hairline fracture in your foot may cause difficulty walking, but not so much so that it alerts you to see Dr. Scheffel.

Should you walk on a hairline fracture?

Medical treatments. Your doctor 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.

Can walking on a hairline fracture make it worse?

Stressing the fracture site repeatedly may cause the cracks to widen and the bone to weaken further. 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.

What happens if you keep walking on a hairline fracture?

On the contrary, ignoring your stress fracture can lead to a range of complications, such as: Additional stress fractures. Delayed healing and increased pain. Worsening to a complete fracture.

Does hairline fracture heal by itself?

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.

Broken Ankle: How to Identify and Treat Ankle Fractures

Does hairline fracture swell?

The pain from a hairline fracture will intensify when the person engages in activities that put a strain on the injured bone. This can inhibit a person's mobility, which means they will be restricted as to how much weight they can put on the affected area. Other symptoms may include: swelling.

How does a stress fracture feel?

The symptoms of a stress fracture can include: Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture. Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone. Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.

How do you know if it's a sprain or fracture?

A sprain may occur silently, or in severe cases there may be a popping sound. With a fracture, you might hear a crack. Is your ankle misshapen? While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly “off,” it's most likely because a bone is broken.

Do hairline fractures need a cast?

Hairline Wrist Fracture Cast or Splint

Immobilization may require a custom splint or a cast. For workers or athletes who need to continue their activity while healing, an ActivArmor cast may be an option.

Can you still walk if you have a stress fracture in your foot?

Elevate your foot to decrease swelling and pain. Do not do the activity or exercise that caused your fracture. If walking is painful, your doctor may advise you to use crutches to help support your body weight when you walk.

How can I tell if I have a stress fracture in my foot?

Does a stress fracture hurt to touch?

The key symptom of a stress fracture is pain. Depending on the bone affected, it tends to hurt in very specific, pinpoint areas, and it will hurt when you touch the exact area where the bone is broken.

What do you do for a hairline fracture in your foot?

Can you exercise with a hairline fracture?

Exercise that does not stress your fracture site is encouraged as increased circulation is essential for optimal bone healing. Biking, pool work, elliptical, or Ultra G are encouraged as they will increase blood flow and facilitate healing. Pain is your best guide. If it hurts or increases your pain, don't do it.

What happens if you ignore a hairline fracture?

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.

When can I start walking after hairline fracture?

On average, it takes around three months. For much of that time, it's very important that you rest the affected bone. At the same time, exercises that don't involve the bone can enhance healing by increasing blood flow.

Can you move your arm with a hairline fracture?

A fracture may be a thin crack in a bone, called a hairline fracture. This type of fracture may not cause a visible injury or limit arm or shoulder motion, but can cause aching pain and redness or swelling around the site of the injury.

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.

What is the fastest way to heal a hairline fracture?

Can you walk on a fractured leg?

You usually will not be able to walk on it. If it's a severe fracture, the leg may be an odd shape and the bone may even be poking out of the skin. There may have been a "crack" sound when the leg was broken, and the shock and pain of breaking your leg may cause you to feel faint, dizzy or sick.

How do you tell if a bone is bruised?

Can you walk on a sprained foot?

Walk or put weight on your sprained foot as long as it does not hurt. If your doctor gave you a splint or immobilizer, wear it as directed. If you were given crutches, use them as directed. For the first 2 days after your injury, avoid hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs.

How do you rule out a stress fracture?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

An MRI is considered the best way to diagnose stress fractures. It can visualize lower grade stress injuries (stress reactions) before an X-ray shows changes. This type of test is also better able to distinguish between stress fractures and soft tissue injuries.

Is a hairline fracture worse than a break?

There's no difference between a fracture and a break. A fracture is any loss of continuity of the bone. Anytime the bone loses integrity—whether it's a hairline crack barely recognizable on an X-ray or the shattering of bone into a dozen pieces—it's considered a fracture.

Does a stress fracture feel like a bruise?

Tenderness and swelling.

The soft tissue around a stress fracture may become swollen and tender to the touch. Bruising may also be present, though this is rare for most stress fractures until they become severe.