How do I know if my foot is broken or just sprained?

Fractures typically produce pinpoint bone tenderness, a felt or heard crack at time of injury, rapid swelling and bruising within hours, and inability to bear weight. Sprains produce more diffuse soft-tissue tenderness developing over 12–24 hours. If you cannot bear weight, have pinpoint bone tenderness, or symptoms do not improve within 3–5 days, get imaging. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402.

What is a stress fracture and who gets them?

A stress fracture is a small crack from repetitive loading rather than a single traumatic event. The second metatarsal is most commonly affected. Risk factors include sudden increase in training volume (more than 10% per week), low bone density, nutritional deficiency, the female athlete triad, and high-arch biomechanics. Treatment is activity restriction for 6–8 weeks.

How long does a foot fracture take to heal?

Most metatarsal stress fractures heal in 6–8 weeks with activity restriction and protective footwear. Jones fractures take 3–4 months due to poor blood supply, or require surgical fixation in high-performance athletes. Calcaneal fractures require 3–6 months of recovery after surgical repair.

When should I see a podiatrist for a possible foot fracture?

See a podiatrist immediately if you cannot bear weight, felt or heard a snap, have rapid swelling and bruising, or visible deformity. For chronic aching that worsens with activity (possible stress fracture), see a podiatrist within a week. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day injury evaluations — call (810) 206-1402.

Sesamoid Fracture in Dancers 2026 | Podiatrist

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · Balance Foot & Ankle · (810) 206-1402

Last reviewed: May 2026

Quick Answer

This page covers the clinical evaluation, evidence-based treatment options, and recovery timeline for sesamoid fracture in dancers at Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan. For same-week appointments at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills offices, call (810) 206-1402.

sesamoid-fracture-dancers - Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 11, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

Watch: BEST Broken Ankle Fracture & Sprained Ankle Recovery TIPS [Top 25] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

Sesamoid Fracture in Dancers: Treatment

Quick answer: Dancer Sesamoid Fracture requires sport-specific care. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM works with athletes at all levels.

Watch: Ankle conditions & surgical options

Recovery Timeline

Acute phase, weight-bearing progression, return to sport — staged carefully to prevent re-injury.

Schedule

Call (810) 206-1402.

⚕ Doctor Recommended

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Podiatrist-recommended arch support

View Product →

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your sesamoiditis, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

AAOS: Sesamoiditis

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402

Learn about our sesamoiditis treatment → | Book online →