(HealthDay News) -- A stress fracture often occurs from a sudden increase in activity.

Abrupt overuse of the muscles means they can no longer absorb the shock of a particular activity. This causes a small crack to develop in nearby bone.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of common reasons for stress fractures:

• Suddenly exercising more frequently or more intensely.
• Exercising on a new type of surface, such as when a tennis player changes from soft clay to a harder surface.
• Using worn or inappropriate exercise equipment, such as shoes without adequate support.
• A sudden increase in physical stress, such as when a sports player is abruptly given more playing time.