Abstract
Answer E. Urgent foot X-ray
With this clinical picture, a stress fracture should be suspected. It is seen most commonly in athletes and people who have jobs involving walking or standing for long periods. The second and third metatarsals are most commonly affected. Suspected stress fractures should be imaged, initially with plain film X-rays. However, in the first 2 weeks after the injury, X-rays may give false negative results. Management includes limited weight-bearing, activity modification and analgesia. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) should be avoided as some studies suggest they may slow bone healing.
InnovAiT article: Foot and ankle problems. DOI: 10.1177/1755738017749623.