A stress fracture is a fatigue-induced fracture of the bone caused by repeated stress over time in which the lower extremities are more frequently involved than the upper extremities. A high index of suspicion and timely diagnosis are crucial in order to avoid the severe secondary damage that can occur. Although stress fractures are significant for all patients, in athletic individuals they may bring about the end of their sporting careers. Stress fracture of the bone is a well-known cause of suboptimal training and underperformance in an athlete.
An active athletic population involved in repetitive, high-impact activities, in particular, long-distance runners, are the most frequently affected. Stress fractures have been reported to account for 2% of total sports injuries in athletes. They can affect almost any bone, but the vast majority; up to 95%; affecting the lower extremity.…
