Question
At work Saturday, about 6 hr into my shift, I noticed my foot hurt so I kicked off my shoes and kept working another 3 hr. When I got home I removed my shoe and sock and noticed that there was a purplish red bump on the side of my foot, mid way between toe and heel. The bump wasn't very big but was warm to touch and very sensitive. Sunday when I went to work I wore flip flops so there wouldn't be any pressure. I was fine most of the day but after being on my feet for about 6 hours if I stepped wrong there was considerable pain. Today I was able to wear a shoe, I worked a 4 hour shift, and there was very minimal pain. The area is still slightly discolored. I work 2 jobs both are in retain so I am on my feet a lot.

I just wondered if this sounds like a stress fracture or if maybe I just bruised my foot and don't remember. If it is a possible stress fracture is there anything I can do at home to promote healing? I seem to have a high pain tolerance and don't want to wait too long but at the same time I don't want to go to my Dr. for no reason, are there any other symptoms to watch for that would indicate I need medical attention?

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Pam,
A stress fracture of the foot would hurt most of the time as soon as you would bear weight on the area(since every time you step you would be moving the cracked bone & would produce pain.
If you don't have decreased sensation to your foot/feet, then it sounds more like an irritation to the tendon or joint in that area. Flip-flops are not recommended. Get a more comfortable walking or gym shoe amenable to long standing hours with a comfortable insert or orthotic. An orthotic from a good podiatrist may be a good investment-since you have two jobs
As long as the bruise and pain continue to improve within a 2-3 week period-then you may be OK.
Try PRICE
Protect-Wear an ace-wrap/brace around the foot and limit the movements that aggravate it.
Rest-Speaks for itself-perhaps the weekend when you are off-rest it.
Ice- Will help if the foot is painful and a little with the swelling.  
Compress-Ace wrap  or foot sleeve
Elevate-Will help if the ankle throbs or swells at the end of the day.
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or supports for your foot.
If the pain or bruising persists, then see your local podiatrist who usually can diagnose and take care of the same visit.
Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in foot & ankle pain.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
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