Did you realize that stone injuries can have long-term effects on the health of your feet? Although most of the time stone bruises heal on their own, they can occasionally result in long-term issues or difficulties. This article will teach you how long it takes for a stone bruise to heal and when you should consult a doctor. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.
How Long Does It Take for a Stone Bruise to Heal?
A stone bruise may take a few days to get better. However, your recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the bruise and how properly you take care of the foot. On average, a stone bruise can get better within 5 to 7 days. However, if your bruise is on the bone, it can take as long as 6 to 8 weeks (about 2 months) to heal. To improve your recovery time, you can follow these steps, including:
- Avoid putting pressure on the affected foot by providing enough rest to the foot and avoid high-impact activities that can enhance the injury.
- Wear protective shoes and inserts that reduce the pressure and support the foot when you sit on a chair or walk. It also speeds up the recovery time for the stone bruise.
- Apply ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes a day to reduce swelling and pain. Do it several times a day.
- If your pain and swelling persist, then see a doctor. They may recommend physical therapy or other treatments that speed up the healing process.
Risk factors that delay healing
Certain risk factors can delay the healing of your stone bruise, including:
- Wearing footwear that puts your toes into a tight space such as high heels or shoes that are tighter around the toes.
- If you’re overweight, it puts a strain on the foot.
- If you’re 50 years or older, then your pad fat is thin and also has a slow recovery process.
- If you do run or other high-impact sports or exercises, then your feet absorb large amounts of force.
- If the shape of the foot and toes are abnormal such as having a high arch or a second toe that is longer than the big toe it can add extra pressure on the bruise.
- Stress fractures are the small breaks in the toe bones that can be painful under pressure delaying the healing process.
- A stiff ankle also adds pressure to metatarsal bones.
Some medical conditions can also affect your healing process, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, this condition causes swollen joints in the foot or gout.
- Diabetes affects the nerves in the foot and makes them irritable.
- Morton’s neuroma is a growth of fibrous tissue around nerves between metatarsal heads.
- A fluid builds up in the foot.
- Bunions, a painful, swollen lump at the base of the toe, commonly occur when you wear tight shoes or high heels but also can be hereditary.
When to see a doctor?
Sometimes, stone bruise pain can go away in a few days. But other times, it can lead to chronic conditions that affect your quality of life. You should see a healthcare provider if you notice:
- New pain that lasts longer than a few days.
- Loss of sensation or abnormal sensation like tingling or burning.
- Foot pain that suddenly gets worse.
- Pain that affects your walking or everyday activities.
- An injury that causes foot pain.
- Fever, chills, and swelling of the foot can be signs of infection.
In case you get severe foot trauma, then you should seek emergency care immediately if you notice:
- Visible deformity of the foot.
- A bone extended through the skin.
- A severe skin wound happens due to a sharp object cut, causing bleeding.
- Pain that makes it impossible to walk.
- Loss of sensation in the foot.
Stone bruises impact foot health in the long term if you do not properly take care of the feet and ignore the signs that can be the reason for later complications. While the majority of stone bruises get better with proper foot care in a few days, some bruises can lead to chronic conditions if early intervention is not present. So, don’t ignore the signs and get professional help when needed.
If you need help with stone bruises or any foot problems, visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!! Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common, as are infections secondary to systemic diseases. It’s not a promising idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you’re in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-347-384-5690 or send an email to info@mainwebsite.dialysisny.com.
