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Stress Fractures in Female Runners

Stress Fracture Pathology

Stress fractures result from the bone inadequately responding and rebuilding in areas where increased amounts of mechanical load are experienced during physical activity. Stress fractures result when there is an imbalance of bone resorption and remodeling. When osteoclasts, cells that break down bone, are working at levels above those of osteoblasts, cells that rebuild bone, bone density decreases. Decreased bone density causes an abnormal response of a person's bones to activity. This abnormal response results in weakened areas on the bone and may lead to a stress fracture.