How can you tell the difference between a stress fracture and a strained tendon in the foot?

Imaging: A strained tendon in the foot can be diagnosed via physical exam and history. A stress fracture etiology can be obtained from a history, but the ideal way to diagnose a stress fracture in the foot is with advanced imaging, such as ultrasound, ct or mri. X-rays are not always demonstrative of stress fractures since it can take 2 weeks to see a stress fracture on xrays.

An x-ray: Would be helpful, sometimes serial x-rays are needed. This is when an x-ray is taken and then repeated a week or 2 later. An MRI for sure can tell the difference. Finally, a good clinician based on clinical exam and history can often times make a highly educated guess.

X-ray or MRI: X-ray should be able to confirm a stress fracture.