What is a Stress Fracture?

Fractures are breaks in the bone that are often caused by a blow or a fall. We classify a fractures as either a:

• Simple fracture, a thin fracture that may not run through the entire bone
• Compound fracture, in which the broken bone protrudes through the skin

A stress fracture is a type of fracture. Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. Stress fractures often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. The bones in the midfoot (metatarsals) in runners are especially vulnerable to stress fractures.

Stress Fracture Symptoms

The most common symptom of a stress fracture is pain in the foot. Some people may experience swelling as well. Learn more about stress fracture symptoms.

Diagnosing Stress Fractures

A physical examination helps us confirm a stress fracture. Read more about stress fracture diagnosis at Stanford. 

Treating Stress Fractures

Treatment for stress fractures ranges from rest to physical therapy. Find out more about our approach to stress fracture treatment.