Stress Fracture of the Foot

A Tennis Doctor and Tennis Expert's Guide to Bone Stress Injuries

Quick Overview

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive loading. Unlike a sudden fracture from a fall or collision, a stress fracture often develops gradually when repeated physical stress exceeds the bone's ability to repair and remodel itself.

In tennis, stress fractures can develop from repeated sprinting, abrupt stopping, lateral cutting, jumping, and landing. These forces are especially relevant during high-volume training and competition on hard courts.

Stress Fracture of the Foot: Overview

A stress fracture of the foot is a small crack or area of bone injury caused by repetitive loading rather than one major traumatic event.

Every time a tennis player runs, jumps, lands, pushes off, or changes direction, the bones of the foot absorb mechanical forces. Normally, bone continuously remodels itself to repair microscopic damage. A stress injury can develop when repetitive loading and training demands consistently exceed the body's ability to recover.