Returning to your previous activity should be gradual. For example, if you are a runner, you should resume low-impact activity for 4 to 6 weeks.
Once you are pain-free, you may begin a conservative jogging regimen. Increase your running mileage very slowly over time. Do not do too much, too soon.
Why Do I Keep Getting Stress Fractures in My Feet?
The reasons why stress fractures occur can fall into two categories. There are extrinsic factors and intrinsic factors.
Extrinsic factors are the things that happen outside of the body.
These factors can include:
- High-impact sports
- Increased activity – Increasing your activity including the frequency, intensity, or duration, can cause stress fractures to occur.
- Lack of nutrients – Eating disorders and insufficient vitamin D and calcium levels can limit bone strength development resulting in stress fractures.
Intrinsic factors are things that are related to the athlete or patient and aren’t impacted by outside forces.
These factors can include:
- Gender – Women are at a higher risk of developing stress fractures. This is especially true for those who have abnormal or absent menstrual periods.
- Weakened bones – The presence of osteoporosis can make it easier to develop a stress reaction or fracture to occur.
- Foot problems – Flat feet or high, rigid arches have a higher tendency to develop stress fractures.
- Previous stress fractures – If you had one or more stress fractures in the past, you are at higher risk of having more.