What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is defined as a small, hairline crack in a bone that results from repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes involved in high-impact activities. These fractures develop gradually, typically as a result of increased training intensity, volume, or poor biomechanics, rather than from a single, traumatic event.

The nature of a stress fracture as associated with overuse means that it can occur in the context of conditions such as disordered eating, where inadequate nutrition contributes to weakened bones. This progressive development sets stress fractures apart from acute fractures, which happen suddenly as a result of a notable impact or trauma.

The fact that stress fractures can be influenced by factors such as nutritional deficiencies and overtraining underlines their chronic characteristic. Therefore, option B accurately encapsulates the essence of a stress fracture, emphasizing its gradual onset and underlying causes.