Question
Hi,

About 2.5 weeks ago I noticed the top of my foot was hurting.  This is bad, but I don't remember if I injured it (like my kid stepping hard on it or something, which is possible.)  It had some discoloration like a bruise and I didn't think anything of it.  I do not run or jog but I do walk my kids to school and home from school.  I have a pair of leather sandals I wear.  I know I should not walk too far in them even though they are comfortable and not cheap shoes.  Well the top of my foot is still hurting when I wear shoes, especially the sandals.  The pain is not from shoes rubbing, it feels internal and is sensitive when I push on it.  It is the top of the foot near the base of my toes.  Really, right under where the sandal straps are.  I saw my regular doctor Monday and he sent me for a regular foot x-ray.  Still waiting to hear the results.  Would an x-ray show a stress fracture at almost 2 weeks?  Can you get a stress fracture from sandals?  The sandals are comfortable and have been since day 1 of wearing them.  But they do not have a back on them.  If x-ray shows nothing, should I pursue a podiatrist or give it more time and not wear the sandals?

Answer
Hi Michelle,

A foot stress fracture should show up at about the 2 week mark.  If you continue to have pain I would see a podiatrist.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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