Dr Phil Kieran: I'm worried about my teenager's stress fracture  

It is essential that your son take his time to fully recover from this injury

Stress fractures are one of those injuries most people have never heard of until they know someone who has one. However, they account for up to 20% of all sports-related injuries Picture: iStock 

My 17-year-old son has joined the local running club and works out in the gym whenever he gets the chance. He was recently diagnosed with a stress fracture in his leg and is now wearing a boot. Is this a sign that his body cannot handle the constant pounding? Or does he need to change the way he trains?

Stress fractures are one of those injuries most people have never heard of until they know someone who has one. However, they account for up to 20% of all sports-related injuries.