Nice weather may tempt you to take that jog outside. But before you lace up, you should understand the causes of stress fractures. Stress fractures, the most common sports injury to bones, can't be prevented. Runners suffer stress fractures, but basketball and lacrosse players also are susceptible because the activities place weight on the bones. Stress fractures occur with repetitive impact on the bone. When the bone is stressed beyond its ability to repair, stress fracture results. This damage can cause localized pain on the bone.

While proper training can help avoid stress fractures, its also good to wear proper running shoes, run on a softer surface, and eat nutritious meals. Folks with stress fractures should take six weeks off from running, however, non-weight bearing exercise, such as swimming and cycling on a stationary bike are acceptable during recovery.

I run 3-5 miles a day. Yep, shoes are important. I really enjoy running and it takes your mind off the daily grinds.