What is a common consequence of a stress fracture if left untreated?

A stress fracture occurs due to repetitive force or overuse, often exacerbated by factors such as improper training techniques or insufficient rest. When left untreated, one of the primary concerns is that the fracture can lead to long-term structural damage in the affected bone. This may manifest as complications like the chronic condition of the bone, deformity, or even the potential for the fracture to become a complete break.

The healing process can be significantly hampered if the stress fracture is not addressed, leading not only to prolonged pain and limited mobility but also affecting the integrity of the bone itself. Over time, this can increase the risk of further injuries and may have a lasting impact on an athlete's ability to participate in their sport.

In contrast, other options, such as improved athletic performance and faster recovery time, are not realistic outcomes of an untreated stress fracture, as the body cannot properly heal while continuing to endure stress. Increased joint flexibility is also generally unrelated, as stress fractures typically do not improve flexibility and may actually contribute to a decrease in overall range of motion due to pain and instability.