Can I Run with a Stress Fracture?

If you’re a runner, you might hate the thought of not running. Going for a run may give you the energy and enthusiasm to make it through the day.

Unfortunately, if you have a stress fracture, you’re going to be sidelined from running until it heals.

At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, we specialize in treating stress fractures. Here’s what you need to know about them — and why rest is the only way to heal if you have one.

What’s a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack or break usually affecting a weight-bearing bone, such as your tibia (shinbone) or bones in the foot or thigh. 

A stress fracture doesn’t result from a single, dramatic injury as some breaks do. It’s an overuse injury caused by the repetitive forces involved in running as your feet strike the ground over and over.

Eventually, the bone can no longer absorb the force of the repeated impact, leading to the fracture. Your bones may not be strong enough (osteoporosis, low vitamin D), or maybe you dramatically increased your training regimen with more miles, more days, or longer workouts.

A stress fracture typically starts as a dull ache and gets worse until it becomes a sharp pain. It usually feels worse when you put weight on the injured area, and you may see some swelling. Eventually, the pain makes you alter your running form to compensate — a big red flag.

Don’t ignore these warning signs. The problem only gets worse if you do.

How do you treat a stress fracture?

If you suspect you have a stress fracture, the best thing to do is stop running.

At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Pedro Cosculluela usually recommends starting treatment with the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Other treatment options include custom-made orthotics, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, protective footwear, and assistive devices such as crutches. In rare cases when these treatments don’t work, surgery may be necessary.

The most important treatment of all, though, is rest; give the fracture 6-8 weeks to heal. If you think you can push through the pain, you’re wrong. Running with a stress fracture only gets you a larger fracture, which can turn into chronic problems that last for years. 

You don’t have to cease other physical activity, though. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about alternatives, such as cycling or swimming, to keep your fitness levels up without stressing your foot and ankle bones.

If you’re looking for a team that can provide excellent care for a stress fracture, Austin Foot & Ankle Institute is here to help. Call our Austin or Bee Cave, Texas, office or request an appointment online today.