A stress fracture may not cause obvious swelling. But symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the front of the
  foot, often after long or intense bouts of exercise

• Pain that goes away during
  rest , then returns when exercise is continued

• Pain that occurs and increases during normal daily
  activities

• Swelling at the top of the foot or the outside of the ankle

• Tenderness when the fracture area is touched

• Bruises at the site of the fracture

The symptoms of stress fractures
can be like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a
diagnosis.

Diagnosis of a stress fracture
usually is confirmed with a complete health history and a physical exam. X-rays often
cannot see stress fractures because they are so fine. So a bone scan or a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done. Once a callus forms around the fracture, an
X-ray can confirm a stress fracture.

Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and giving the fracture time to heal, usually around 6 to 8 weeks. Specific treatment for a stress fracture will depend on:

• Your age, overall health, and health history

• How serious your injury is

• How well you are able to handle certain medicines, procedures, and therapies

• How long your injury is expected to last

• Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• Resting

• Protecting the fracture site
  with reduced weight bearing

• Using cold packs

• Taking medicine such as
  ibuprofen

• Wearing shock-absorbing shoes
  during exercise

• Running on soft surfaces, such as grass

• Doing physical therapy

• Switching to a less stressful activity, such as swimming or biking

• Wearing a brace, boot, or
  cast