Do Stress Fractures Get Worse if You Keep Running?

Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries among runners, accounting for about 20% of sports-related injuries. They occur when repetitive stress — like the feet slapping against concrete and other hard surfaces — puts pressure on the small bones in the foot, causing a hairline fracture to form. Many athletes who develop stress fractures try to push through the pain because the injury is relatively minor. But what happens if you don’t listen to your body? 

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno specialize in stress fracture treatment. Keep reading to learn how continuing to run can actually cause more problems and the treatments that can help your stress fracture heal.

What happens if I keep running with a stress fracture?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a stress fracture, it’s normal to want to return to your regular training routine. After all, these injuries are often microscopic, so the damage may seem minimal. 

However, if you continue exercising at your usual pace, you risk causing a hairline fracture to turn into a full break. Furthermore, continued stress on the broken bone slows your body’s healing process and can lead to chronic pain, setting your recovery back even further. 

Given these risks, pausing your training and allowing time for healing is the smarter choice.

Stress fracture symptoms that indicate it’s time to stop running

Stress fractures vary in size, location, and severity, but certain symptoms signal that recovery should be your focus. These symptoms include:

• Persistent pain that worsens when running
• Swelling, tenderness, or bruising on or around the stress fracture
• Pain that doesn’t go away with rest
• Pain that worsens over time

Sometimes, stress fractures make it difficult to stand up or place weight on the affected foot. If this describes your situation, don’t wait to contact our caring team. 

How stress fractures are treated

We take a conservative, integrative approach to treating stress fractures affecting the feet. Although no two care plans are identical, we often recommend:

Getting plenty of rest

Stress fractures typically take 6-8 weeks to heal, depending on the severity and location. During this time, taking a break from training is essential to support your recovery. You don’t have to be completely inactive, but you must avoid overexerting yourself.

The RICE protocol

The RICE protocol stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This four-step methodology reduces pain and inflammation, increases circulation to the fracture site, and promotes fluid drainage. Compression offers the added benefit of providing additional support for the broken bone, ensuring it doesn’t get damaged further.

Physical therapy

Once your stress fracture begins healing, you must ease back into activity. Physical therapy provides a safe way to do this by strengthening your foot muscles, improving flexibility, and improving biomechanics that caused the broken bone in the first place.

Don’t wait to seek stress fracture treatment

Stress fractures are a common side effect of long-distance running, but you don’t have to quit the hobby you love. Partnering with our qualified podiatrists can ease symptoms and help you recover faster. Contact Mayfair Foot Care today to get help. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.