A stress fracture (also called a hairline fracture) is an overuse injury caused by repetitive or unusual stress. The bones most commonly affected are the shinbone (tibia) and the bones of the foot.
Unlike normal traumatic fractures, stress fractures do not appear suddenly. They develop gradually as a result of repeated microtraumas, none of which is strong enough on its own to cause a complete break.
Find more information about sports injuries at Injuries Main.
Description: Stress Fractures
When a muscle becomes fatigued and can no longer absorb the shock of physical activity, the overload is transferred to the bone. Over time, this can cause a tiny crack—known as a stress fracture or hairline fracture.
This occurs when the intensity of physical activity exceeds the bone’s ability to remodel and recover. If you suddenly increase your training volume or intensity—especially in sports like sprinting or hurdling—you increase your risk of developing a stress fracture.
Stress fractures are often not visible on standard X-rays, but they cause persistent pain. For diagnosis, CT scans, MRIs, or three-phase bone scans are usually more effective.
Who Is Susceptible: Stress Fractures
- Sprinters and hurdlers
- Long jumpers and high jumpers
- Martial artists and XMA athletes
- Individuals who train in cold environments
- People who suddenly increase their training volume or intensity, especially in sports requiring explosive movements and quick direction changes
- Individuals with low bone density
Diagnosis: Stress Fractures
- Pain when bearing weight on the affected limb
- Tibial stress fractures (hairline fractures in the shinbone) can be mistaken for shin splints (inflammation along the front of the shin).
- A CT scan, MRI, or three-phase bone scan provides a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment: Stress Fractures
- Rest – Avoid weight-bearing activities.
- Consult a sports injury specialist.
- Strengthen your muscles through guided rehabilitation.
- Increase your vitamin D and calcium intake.
- A cast may be applied to reduce stress on the affected bone.
- In severe cases, surgery may be required to ensure proper healing.
Advice: Stress Fractures
- Strengthen your muscles regularly.
- Avoid sudden increases in training volume and intensity.
- Don’t train in cold environments.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin D and calcium.
- Do weight training with free weights to strengthen bones (but not if you already have a stress fracture).
Related Topics: Stress Fractures
- Navicular Stress Fracture
- Traumatic Bone Fractures
- Shin Splints
- Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
Videos
None
