A fracture is a break, normally in a bone. Fractures usually happen because of vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries. A hairline fracture (also known as a ‘stress fracture’) is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone. This injury is most common in athletes, especially athletes in sports that involve running and jumping. People with osteoporosis can also develop hairline fractures.
This type of fracture is often caused by overuse or repetitive actions when microscopic damage is done to the bone over time. Not allowing yourself enough time to heal between activities is often a factor in the probability of getting this injury. The bones of the foot and leg are especially prone to hairline fractures.
These bones absorb a lot of stress during running and jumping. Within the foot, the second and third metatarsals are most commonly affected. This is because they are thin bones and the point of impact when pushing off on your foot in order to run or jump. It is also common to experience a hairline fracture in the following parts of your body:
- Heel
- Ankle bones
- Navicular (a bone on the top of the midfoot)