What is a Stone Bruise?

The quick answer is a stone bruise is pain and inflammation in the fat pad in the heel or ball of the foot, typically at the point where the “metatarsals”—the five long, thin bones that spread from the middle of the foot to the toes—meet the “phalanges”, or the toe bones. The most common area to experience a stone bruise is at the base of the big toe.

Heel Pain from a Stone Bruise

What are the Foot Problems with a Stone Bruise?

The quick answer is that stone bruises are typically caused by repeated and/or heavy impact of the foot hitting the ground or another type of hard surface, as in running, jumping, etc., although they can sometimes be exacerbated or even caused by:

• Poor-fitting shoes
• Stress fractures
• Old-age
• Obesity

There are also a number of medical conditions that can cause stone bruises, including:

• Bunions
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Morton’s neuroma

What is the Difference Between and Stone Bruise and a Bone Bruise?

The quick answer is a Stone Bruise is an injury to a deep fat pad and a bone bruise is and injury to the bone tissue. 

Who is Affected by Stone Bruises and What Are the Symptoms?

Foot pain from stone bruise

Stone bruises are more common in middle aged women. They are rarely serious in any way, although they may be severe enough to limit activity for a week or so.

The pain in the foot can range from mild to severe and is usually centered around the ball of the foot. It can be tingling, shooting, sharp, or burning, and can develop slowly or abruptly.

The pain itself is caused by the pressing of the bones near the end of the foot against each other, which squeezes and then inflames the small nerves and causes pain in the foot.

Is there a Home Remedy for a Stone Bruise Foot?

1. Rest  - If possible, try to stay off your feet until the bruise heals and put as little weight as possible on the foot with the bruise.
2. Apply ice to the area 3 to 4 times a day for about 20 minutes each time. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel to prevent direct contact with the skin.
3. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce pain and inflammation.  

To schedule a physical therapy appointment for JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045. 

Related Articles: Home Remedies for Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment 

If the home remedies do not help, It may be time to see a foot specialist. JOI has a team of experts with decades of experience to help. Whether you have a bone bruise foot, need sesamoiditis treatment, or have morning heel pain/morning foot pain, Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute has the answers for you.  We are now offering Telehealth appointments as well as ASAP Injury and Fracture Care Services.  Please call 904-JOI-2000 or click below

By: Matt Paulus, MS, ATC