Question:
Is it possible for a MO person to break a small bone in the foot just by walking?

I have a very sore foot. It feels like the small bones on the top have been 'smashed'. I can walk on it with a limp. I do not recall any trauma to the area. It is swollen and very sore,no bruising though. I know I need to see my PCM- just am really tired of doctors. It is possible for a MO person to break or injury one of these small bones without any definite trauma?    — Jan S. (posted on January 13, 2003)

January 13, 2003
It sounds like arthritis. I have the same pain in both of my feet and x-rays showed that was the problem.
   — Tawnda C.

January 13, 2003
I have this same problem every now and again as well. It feels like you've dropped something really heavy on your foot, yet you know you didnt. I seem to think it has something to do with my lymphedema and cellulitis...when those flare up, I get the pain in my foot back. Not sure if you have those issues, but that is when I notice it the most. Just to be on the safe side though, If it doesnt get any better in a few days, I would see a doc.
   — ImANewDee

January 13, 2003
Hi. I would think that it is possible. . . have you ever had any calcium deficiencies? That might contribute to the problem. By the way, I have a friend who was super morbidly obese before having surgery (600 pounds plus) and he broke his ribs by coughing. . .!
   — Sarah S.

January 13, 2003
Yes, it is possible, and like others have posted... you don't even have to be MO. I had a similar problem and mine turned out not to be broken, but it took a few x-rays and a visit to the podiatrist to figure it out . They thought it might be a stress fracture...(mine was sore, but not swollen and no bruise... turned out my HEEL has a problem and due to compensating I was overstressing the bones on the other side of my foot....) anyways, have it checked out.
   — w8free

January 13, 2003
Yes it is possible to break the bone walking. You don't need to be MO to do it. My daughter did it at about 10 just by stomping her foot. The Dr told me that the bones there can be very fragil and stomping, twisting wrong, etc. can break them. Painful when it happens. Good luck.
   — Helen C.

January 17, 2003
Yes, these are called "stress fractures"
   — Wannabe A.