When inflammation of a tendon adjacent to a bone increases, a periosteal reaction could then develop. If this load increases, the pressure and forces applied to the bone will subsequently increase, which can then cause a perforation in the outer cortex of the bone which results in a stress fracture. Therefore, a continuum exists with reference to allowing overuse to occur of basically any of the tissues in the extremity that we are dealing with. In Runners Stress fractures in runners are very common, and their incidence appears to be increasing. Understanding the injury and what predisposes one to it may lead to prevention.
Women are more prone to the stress fractures than men.
Stress fractures are best described as an alteration of bone that occurs secondary to repetitive abnormal forces. Limb length discrepancy. Chronic foot imbalance. Changes in running style, whether associated with shoe gear, terrain, speed or distance. Therefore, stress fractures are due to repetitive stress due to increased load after fatigue of the supportive structures.