Overview
A small crack in one of your bones is called a stress fracture. It is a specific kind of fracture (broken bones in medical parlance).
As the name suggests, stress fractures are just what they sound like: breaks caused by an excessive amount of force on your bone. Because stress fractures are typically caused by repeatedly using the same region of the body, healthcare experts sometimes refer to them as overuse injuries. In addition, stress fractures may also be referred to as hairline fractures, which are named after the tiny cracks that develop in your bone.
Playing sports or performing physical labor are two frequent activities that might result in a stress fracture: any repetitive action or activity that puts pressure on your bones. See a doctor if you experience any discomfort, swelling, or soreness on or near a bone (especially during or after physical activities).