A stress fracture is sometimes referred to as a hairline fracture because it usually shows on an x-ray as a hairline crack. these types of bone fractures are often associated with running and other athletic activities, especially when there's been recent increase inactivity. Treatment. to reduce the bone's weight-bearing load until healing occurs, you might need to wear a walking boot or brace or use crutches. although unusual, surgery is sometimes necessary to ensure complete healing of some types of stress fractures, especially those that occur in areas with a poor blood supply. A stress fracture is sometimes referred to as a hairline fracture because it usually shows on an x-ray as a hairline crack. these types of bone fractures are often associated with running and other athletic activities, especially when there's been recent increase inactivity. terribly bad break — the pain wasn’t enough to keep me from working but, as health insurance funded x-rays would show year...