A Stress Reaction is caused by abnormal and excessive forces which culminate at a specific area on a bone. These forces magnify at this specific point rather than being distributed throughout the bone because of abnormal biomechanics. Each bone has an ability to absorb and distribute “shock” (or force) with each step. If the joints distribute this shock incorrectly, it may result in a “hot-spot.” These hot-spots are focal areas of tenderness on the bone as a result of an abnormal reaction to stress, or a “Stress Reaction.” If left untreated, these hot-spots can progress to a “Stress Fracture.”