[Stress fracture of the calcaneus--a rare case]

Non-specific foot pain can have a variety of causes. Stress fractures mostly appear in over- or disuse of the lower extremities. Diagnosis can be made, albeit delayed, following an interval of 2-4 weeks using positive X-ray findings which can be supported by further diagnostic steps. In case of doubt, magnetic resonance tomography can provide a diagnosis and help determine therapeutic intervention; in most cases conservative treatment is performed. The majority of stress fractures heal fully within 6-8 weeks under conservative therapy. Additional therapy of fatigue fracture symptoms may be provided by analgesics and physiotherapeutic methods. Risk factors, particularly in young women, need to be detected. Although their efficacy is controversial, shock-absorbing insoles can reduce stress.