From the article: What Is a Stress Fracture?
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that often occur from overuse or repeated stress on the bones of the lower legs or feet. If not treated promptly, stress fractures can become chronic and recurrent injuries.
Rest is the recommended treatment for a stress fracture to fully heal, which is often not easy for an athlete. Perhaps it got you to start cross training, swimming, or stretching more often, or perhaps you simply took a much needed rest.
If you've suffered a stress fracture, how did you cope during recovery? Share your recovery tips with the rest of us!
Share Your Recovery TipsDoctor's Orders
- Do what the doctor tells you to. It may seem obvious, but you really need to follow their advice. I had stress fractures in both of my fibulae but went back to practicing gymnastics three weeks early. I didn't think three weeks was a big deal at the time. I now have stress fractures again. Do what the doc says and avoid re-fracturing any nearly healed injuries.
- —Guest Molly
Doctor's Orders
- Do what the doctor tells you to. It may seem obvious, but you really need to follow their advice. I had stress fractures in both of my fibulae but went back to practicing gymnastics three weeks early. I didn't think three weeks was a big deal at the time. I now have stress fractures again. Do what the doc says and avoid re-fracturing any nearly healed injuries.
- —Guest Molly
Take it easy!
- I ignored the signs of stress fractures due to running and ultimately this led to full blown fractures in both tibias! Point is to listen to your body and stop when it says too. Or else you could further injure your self and prolong your recovery. It took me 3 month to fully recover from having both tibias fractured. Not to mention the constant hassle of not being able to walk.
- —Guest Steven
Ankle stress fracture
- I got a stress fracture in my ankle while playing soccer. Getting back for me was hard but I rested and got back with my team
- —Guest Sloan
Stress Fracture of Tibia
- After six weeks of rest and using crutches (mobilegs.com are light and comfortable) I am easing back into my routine of exercise -- can't wait to ride again!
- —Guest Peter
Find balance...
- Whenever I have gotten injured in any sport, from running or biking to even yoga, it was because I loved the sport so much, it became more of an addiction. When the activity starts to loose the benefits of fitness, strength & endurance to pain, fatigue or tightness, that's a sign to back off the sport a little and balance it with some cross training. This allows the fatigued muscles to heal, while the cross training will allow lesser used muscles a chance to become stronger. A well rounded workout will utilize the body's full potential in a balanced pain free environment.
- —Guest kim
Helpful Tips on Relieving Pain
- Try stretching and muscle rub at bed time and elevate the leg that's in pain.
- —Guest SHARON JOHNSON
ice, rest, and soft surfaces
- A stress fracture needs time to heal - just like any other fracture. I really reduced any activity that caused stress to the feet/legs and my foot stress fracture healed within 5 weeks. I stopped running and I biked and used the rowing machine until I could walk for 30 minutes without any pain. Be patient and let it heal.
- —Guest runner01
