Physical Therapy Expert Melissa Prestipino, DPT: Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is an overuse injury. It occurs when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb added shock. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone. Stress fractures are caused by the repetitive application of force. This can also occur when repeatedly jumping up and down or running long distances. Stress fractures can also arise from normal use of a bone that's been weakened by a condition such as osteoporosis.
Stress fractures are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. While anyone can experience a stress fracture, track and field athletes tend to experience them more often.