What is a common cause of stress fractures, particularly observed in athletes?

Stress fractures commonly occur in athletes due to overuse or repetitive activity. This type of fracture is characterized by small cracks in the bone that develop from the constant stress of high-impact exercises, such as running, jumping, or other sports-related activities that demand repetitive motion. As athletes increase their training intensity or duration without allowing adequate time for rest and recovery, the cumulative stress on the bones can lead to microtrauma, eventually resulting in a stress fracture.

This condition is particularly prevalent in sports that require high levels of endurance and repetitive motions, where the bones are subjected to frequent loading without sufficient rest to repair themselves. Recognizing this common cause is crucial for preventive measures, such as modifying training regimens, ensuring proper footwear, and implementing rest periods to reduce the risk of these injuries.