Stress Fractures: Understanding Acute vs. Chronic Bone Injuries

A stress fracture is a chronic injury.

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that is caused by repeated stress. It is different from an acute fracture, which is a sudden break in a bone. Stress fractures are often caused by overuse, such as running or jumping too much. They can also be caused by trauma, such as a fall. Stress fractures are most common in the feet, legs, and lower back.