Troublesome stress fractures of the foot and ankle.

Athletes engaged in repetitive activity with recent increases in training or competition are at risk for stress fractures of the foot and ankle. Physical and radiographic findings are often unremarkable and diagnosis may be difficult. Although many of these injuries may be managed symptomatically, certain types of stress fractures are at higher risk for delayed union, nonunion, or refracture without aggressive immobilization or surgical fixation.