Polish Athlete Wins Cross Country Skiing Event with Foot Injury

During an abnormally warm cross-country women’s 10k classical ski race, Poland’s Justyna Kowalczyk won in spite of having recently fractured her foot. Kowalczyk was faster than silver medalist Charlotte Kalla by 18.4 seconds, finishing the race in 28 minutes, 17.8 seconds.

This is the first gold medal the athlete has won at Sochi and the second one of her career. "It's something big for me because I broke my foot two weeks ago," Kowalczyk said. "I was fighting with myself with this injury."

Stress fractures of the foot and ankle often occur among athletes and usually require surgery and a long recovery period. If you are dealing with a stress fracture, speak to a podiatrist like Dr. Jeffrey Conforti. Dr. Conforti will assess the severity of your condition and make a professional recommendation regarding your treatment.

Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures

Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse.  As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:

-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts

Stress Fracture Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.

Treating Stress Fractures

The individual and the degree of injury depend on the fracture of the foot. Some fractures heal very fast while others take a long times and one would need crutches.

- Set a routine regimen for any activities that involve running
- Choose footwear that provides good support
- Surgery with supportive pins around the ankle

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Paramus and Clifton, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Podiatric Stress Fractures.