Which symptom is associated with March fracture?

Which symptom is associated with March fracture?

• A. Edema On The Dorsum
• B. Tenderness At The Top Of The Foot
• C. Swelling At The Ankle
• D. Pain In The Heel

Answer: (A)

A March fracture is a stress fracture of the metatarsal shaft, most often the second metatarsal, from repetitive marching or running. The best signal here is swelling on the dorsum of the foot, reflecting localized inflammation and microdamage along the metatarsal area. This dorsal edema helps distinguish it from issues like ankle swelling or heel pain, which point to different structures. The other signs, such as pain at the heel or tenderness only at the top of the foot, don’t localize to the metatarsal stress injury as clearly as dorsal foot swelling does. If this injury is suspected, rest and immobilization are key, and imaging can confirm the diagnosis.

A March fracture is a stress fracture of the metatarsal shaft, most often the second metatarsal, from repetitive marching or running. The best signal here is swelling on the dorsum of the foot, reflecting localized inflammation and microdamage along the metatarsal area. This dorsal edema helps distinguish it from issues like ankle swelling or heel pain, which point to different structures. The other signs, such as pain at the heel or tenderness only at the top of the foot, don’t localize to the metatarsal stress injury as clearly as dorsal foot swelling does. If this injury is suspected, rest and immobilization are key, and imaging can confirm the diagnosis.