what is a stress fracture

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, typically caused by repetitive force and overuse, such as repeatedly jumping or running long distances. These fractures can also develop from normal use of a bone thats weakened by a condition such as osteoporosis. Stress fractures are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot, but they can occur in other areas such as the arm, spine, or ribs. They are often overuse injuries that develop slowly over time when a repetitive motion, such as training for a sport or performing the same type of movement all day at work, puts too much pressure on a bone and it doesn’t have enough time to recover. Symptoms of a stress fracture may include tenderness at a specific spot, swelling around the painful area, and pain that worsens with time. Treatment typically involves resting the injured area and taking a break from sports, and in some cases, a cast, splint, brace, or boot may be needed. Its important to seek medical attention if the pain becomes severe or if pain is felt even when resting or at night. To prevent stress fractures, its recommended to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D, warm up before activities, start new activities slowly, and stop any activity if pain or swelling starts.