What it means
Bone is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. If it is loaded faster than it can repair, for example after a sudden rise in running, marching or jumping, tiny cracks build up. At first there is only swelling inside the bone, called a stress reaction. Later a fine fracture line appears. In bone weakened by osteoporosis, everyday activity can be enough; this is called an insufficiency fracture.
When it matters
X-rays are often normal in the first weeks. MRI is the most sensitive test and shows how advanced the injury is. Most stress fractures heal with rest from the activity that caused them, over several weeks to a few months. A few sites, such as the neck of the thigh bone at the hip, are higher risk and are handled more cautiously. Repeated stress fractures may prompt a check of bone health.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this an early stress reaction, or is a fracture line already visible?
- Is this a higher-risk site that needs extra care?
- Should my bone density or vitamin D level be checked?
