A stress fracture is an injury to a bone caused by repeated stress to that bone.
It is believed that most stress fractures are caused by too much stress applied too quickly for the bone to fully heal. With continued stress, the weakened bone may break (fracture). It is important to allow the stress fracture to fully heal before returning to activity.
To protect the injured bone, your doctor may place your child on crutches or use other tools, such as a walking boot, to help the stress fracture heal. Physical Therapy is also important in treating stress fractures.
If you think your child has a stress fracture, you should call the doctor.
Learn more about stress fractures.