My foot has been huring for a couple of weeks now. I had a doctor's appointment for something else and decided to bring it up. She xrayed it and both she and the PA think it's a stress fracture, though they were sending it off to a radiologist to read it (although, I've heard it's hard to detect a stress fracture from an xray so... who knows what's going on?). I have to wait until Monday to know anything for sure and get set up with an orthopedic doctor and get a boot and such, though, which is a problem because I work in retail and have no choice but to be on my feet for prolonged periods of time. Is there anything I can buy in terms of an ACE bandage or some sort of brace to wear for the weekend?
2006-11-18 05:48:20 · 3 answers · asked by myfairashley 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
There's not much more a person can do than to wear a brace and take calcium suppliments until about 8 weeks have passed. Sorry there's not too much information on that coming from me.
2006-11-18 05:51:12 · answer #1 · answered by Cold Fart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct that it is generally not possible to visualize a stress fracture on a simple x-ray so the diagnosis is a clinical one. If necessary, a bone scan or a CT scan will identify such a fracture. The only treatment for a stress fracture in the foot is a cam walking boot - which is adjustable - for 4 weeks or so. You will be able to work on your feet all day wearing this. The physician's cost for these is around $60. You do not need to see an orthopedist, and your cost is more likely to be $100.
2006-11-18 14:06:30 · answer #2 · answered by john e russo md facm faafp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you can do is give your foot a break so it can heal. Calcium supplements may help, but studies are conflicting on this. Is there any way at work you could perhaps work the cash and sit on a stool?
2006-11-18 13:59:02 · answer #3 · answered by Andrea T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋