[Fatigue fractures of the foot]

A stress fracture is a very localized change in bone remodeling occurring in a normal bone that is subjected to an unusual repeated cyclic loading. It is a common fracture in military recruits and recreational or competitive athletes. A typical medical history and a local bone tenderness at physical examination suggest the diagnosis that is confirmed by a local "hot" spot on the radionuclide bone scan. Radiographic signs are delayed and inconstant. Radiographs show the fracture line or a bone sclerosis as the result of fracture healing. Although every bone may be involved, depending on the type of the physical activity, metatarsals and calcaneus are the most frequent locations in the foot. The treatment of a stress fracture in the foot consists in a 4 to 6 nonweight-bearing immobilisation followed by a graduated return to march and sport.