Early diagnosis of something like a stress fracture can mean the difference between a few days of rest or a condition that may require surgery. Now you don't want to overemphasize this, either. But if you have a grossly swollen, grapefruit ankle and discoloration, you should see somebody because those are the ones we want to pick up early. Footwear should match the sport. For example, don't wear jogging shoes to play basketball.
Children can suffer overuse injuries due to excessive parental pressure to achieve in sports.
Stress fractures occur in athletes with poor nutritional habits. What To Do For more information about foot care, go to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons , or the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society . For more HealthScout stories on feet, click here .