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Stress fracture of the talus


A stress fracture of the talus is an injury that affects the bone in the ankle that connects the leg to the foot; this bone is called the talus. A stress fracture to the talus describes a small crack in the bone, which has developed due to too much stress being placed on the talus.

Visit Chiropody.co.uk if you suspect that you have a stress fracture of the talus. Our podiatrists are experts in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of leg and foot injuries. Following a thorough assessment at Chiropody.co.uk you will be provided with a treatment plan. The aim of podiatric treatment for a stress fracture to the talus is; reduced pain, improved healing and improved ankle function, which has a direct and positive effect on gait and posture.

What is a stress fracture of the talus?


A stress fracture of the talus describes a hairline crack in the talus. The talus is a bone that forms the ankle joint, it connects the leg to the foot. The talus is a very important bone within the foot, not only does it connect the foot and the lower leg, it also aids the transference of weight and pressure across the ankle joint.

What causes a stress fracture of the talus?


A stress fracture to the talus can occur if the talus is put under excessive stress, this means that the load being placed onto the talus is too much for it to be able to withstand. Any weightbearing activity places a compressive force through the talus, if this force is too great or repetitive then the talus may crack and a stress fracture occurs.

Athletes and dancers are more susceptible to a talus stress fracture, however anyone can develop a stress fracture of the talus, with the following factors increasing the risk:

  • Sudden increase in frequency or intensity of training
  • Poor biomechanics of the foot
  • Excessive participation in high impact sports
  • Weak muscles
  • Weak joints
  • Inappropriate footwear
  • Medical conditions that affect the bone (e.g. osteoporosis)

What are the signs and symptoms of a stress fracture of the talus?


You may have a stress fracture of the talus if you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Pain that is deep inside the ankle
  • Pain is worse when the talus is pressed or during weight bearing activity
  • Swelling and tenderness at the ankle joint
  • Inability or difficulty putting weight on the ankle
If you experience any of the above visit Chiropody.co.uk for an assessment.

How is a stress fracture of the talus diagnosed?


A stress fracture of the talus is diagnosed following a thorough history, the signs and symptoms, and an examination of the ankle joint. It may be necessary to have the ankle X-rayed in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Benefits of podiatry for a stress fracture of the talus


If you have a stress fracture to your talus podiatry may be able to help you. The podiatric treatment benefits following a stress fracture to the talus include:

  • Improved biomechanics
  • Healing is facilitated
  • Prevention of further deterioration
  • Improved ankle flexibility
  • Improvement in ankle strength
  • Decrease in pain
At Chiropody.co.uk we may prescribe orthoses in order to correct any biomechanical dysfunction that may have contributed to your talus developing a stress fracture. Orthoses are beneficial following a stress fracture to the talus due to their ability to correct any abnormal foot mechanics, thereby transferring unnecessary weight and stress away from the talus.

At Chiropody.co.uk, once healing has occurred at the talus, ankle strengthening exercises will be prescribed. Ankle strengthening exercises help the talus to become stronger and improve ankle stability. By strengthening the ankle the talus will be better able to withstand future stresses.

What would podiatry for a stress fracture of the talus involve?


At Chiropody.co.uk treatment for a stress fracture of the talus occurs once a thorough assessment has been completed. The assessment includes a thorough history taking and an account of the problem itself. Following the history an assessment will take place. It is recommended that you have a biomechanical assessment if you have a stress fracture of the talus; this is so that the mechanics of the leg and foot, as well as muscle strength and/or weakness can be fully assessed. The assessment is to establish if poor biomechanics contributed to the stress fracture of the talus, and provides the podiatrist with the information necessary to form a treatment plan.

The treatment options available at Chiropody.co.uk for a stress fracture of the talus may include the following:

Treatment options vary according to the individual patient, therefore the combination of treatment prescribed will differ due to the needs of the patient.

Summary


A stress fracture of the talus describes a hairline crack in a bone in the ankle called the talus. A stress fracture to the talus occurs when the stress being exerted on the talus is greater than it is able to withstand. When too much force is exerted on the talus it is at increased risk of developing a stress fracture. A number of risk factors increase the risk of the development of a stress fracture, with poor foot mechanics being an example.

If you have a stress fracture of the talus podiatric intervention will benefit you. Podiatric treatment for a stress fracture to the talus is subject to a biomechanical assessment. Podiatric treatment aims are to reduce the stress being placed on the talus in order to aid healing and prevent future injury, this is done with the provision of orthoses. Exercises are prescribed to strengthen the ankle, this is so that the talus is better able to withstand future stress.

To arrange an assessment with one our podiatrists please Email office@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222.

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