What is a Stress Fracture?

A Stress Fracture is not a clean snap like breaking a bone in a fall. It is a hairline crack that develops gradually from repetitive loading (impact) when muscles become too fatigued to absorb shock, transferring the stress to the bone.

Common Sites

• Metatarsals: The long bones in the foot.
• Tibia: The shin bone.
• Femur: The thigh bone (serious).
• Pelvis/Hip: Very serious.

Symptoms

• Pain that gets worse during a run and lingers afterward.
• Pinpoint tenderness (you can point to the exact spot that hurts).
• Pain even when walking or resting.

The Verdict

Stop running immediately. Continuing to run can cause the bone to break completely. Healing typically takes 6-8 weeks (or more) in a boot or on crutches.