Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle in Athletes, an Overview

Stress fractures occur due to repetitive forces on the bones and develop over time. The etiology differs from a traumatic fracture and therefore stress fractures are more an overload injury. Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are frequently seen in athletes and can be a potentially career ending injury for these high demanding sportsmen. Some locations are considered as high‐risk stress fractures due to slow healing and high rates of non‐unions. This article discusses the most common sites for stress fractures of the foot and ankle, the risks and evidence on best treatment options.