What describes an overuse injury involving microscopic breaks in a bone?

A stress fracture is characterized by small, often microscopic breaks in a bone that occur due to repetitive forces or overuse. These injuries typically arise from activities that involve repetitive weight-bearing actions, such as running, jumping, or other athletic pursuits. The constant stress placed on the bone without adequate recovery time leads to tiny cracks, which can result in pain and decreased function.

In contrast, the other terms do not adequately define this kind of overuse injury. "Stressed bone" is not a medically recognized term for a specific injury, while a "bone bruise" refers to damage to the bone that typically involves bleeding and swelling, but not the formation of microscopic fractures. Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, rather than damage to the bone itself. Thus, stress fractures are distinct in their specific mechanism and nature of injury, making it the appropriate choice in this context.