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Stress Fractures 

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone that develops from overuse. When muscles are overtired (fatigued), they are no longer able to absorb the shock of repeated impacts. When this happens, the muscles transfer the stress to the bones, creating a small crack or fracture.

Stress fractures often are the result of increasing the amount or intensity of an activity, such as running, too rapidly. They can also occur with normal usage, if bones have been weakened by osteoporosis or other disease.

Treatments usually involve a break from running and a period of cast immobilization.

Dr. Scott M. Reich, DPM
Foot Care Group, P.A.
Wilmington, DE