Hard playing surfaces, fast lateral movements, confined playing areas and foot collisions between competitors can result in injuries like sprains and stress fractures. When you do that, it takes a great deal of strength and balance that we don't even think about. Sprains are at the top of the list and are often caused by the quick, lateral movements typical of court sports, he says.
Most stress fractures occur in the metatarsal bone, which can create swelling in the forefoot.
But Shonka says stress fractures can occur in any one of the foot's 26 bones without many symptoms. A stress fracture in the stronger, more dense area of the mid-foot can be difficult to diagnose. The heel is another common injury site and heel pain can be a sign of a plantar fascia injury or bone spur. The plantar fascia is a thin, strong tissue band that supports the arch of the foot, stretching from the heel to the ball of the foot. With repeated shocks over time, the fascia can tear from the heel and result in a bone spur.