What is a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is an overuse injury. It occurs when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb shock and repeated impacts. Over time, the fatigued muscle transfers this stress to the bone, resulting in a small crack or fracture.
Causes
Stress fractures are often the result of overuse or repeated impacts on a hard surface. Increasing the amount or intensity of an activity too rapidly is a common cause of a stress fracture, as is using improper equipment.
Symptoms
- Pain with any activity that affects the area of the stress fracture
- Fractured area tender to the touch.
What you can do
- Rest for six to eight weeks to allow the fracture to heal
- See a sports injury specialist or doctor
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