What is a common indicator of a stress fracture?

Localized pain that worsens with activity is a common indicator of a stress fracture because stress fractures typically develop gradually due to the repetitive stresses placed on the bone. Patients often experience sharp or aching pain that intensifies with physical activity and decreases with rest. This pattern arises because the stress on the bone during activity exacerbates the microfractures that define a stress fracture. Unlike acute fractures, which might present with significant swelling or numbness, a stress fracture generally has more subtle symptoms that progress over time. This characteristic pain can help healthcare providers differentiate a stress fracture from other musculoskeletal injuries, which often present with more immediate pain or swelling following a specific traumatic event.