Stress fracture! What can you tell me?

[Bike Chick]

I was diagnosed yesterday with a stress fracture in my right foot and I'm pretty bummed. I was training for a biathlon next week which is now out and was going to run a 10k in November and the 5k in Memphis when my husband does the half-marathon. How long does it take to heal? The podiatrist told me I might be able to get on the bike in 3 weeks if I take it easy and no running for 6-8 weeks. I'm new at the running and was just up to 5.5 miles and loving every minute of it. I was really starting to see some improvement in my speed and the weight was coming off and now I'm sidelined. Any suggestions?

[salsabike]

Did he give you carbon fiber insoles to wear in your shoes? They will keep your foot from flexing and will let it heal, and will not make your hip go nuts as a walking boot would do.

I had this happen a year ago in July. They say it's healed when it doesn't hurt anymore, whatever that really means...I was super careful and gave it ten weeks because I really wanted it HEALED. I expect that was more than necessary.

Have been running for the last year and am fine.

[Bike Chick]

That's exactly what he did. It's hard to walk but my foot does feel better. And absolutely NO walking barefoot. Did it bother you on the bike too or just running? Mine started on the bike. I've changed pedals and shoes twice thinking it was that. Then when I started running it just continually got worse. I'm glad to hear your's is healed and you are running again. That's encouraging.

[salsabike]

It didn't bother me on the bike at all. In fact, the doc said cycling shoes were already pretty stiff so I could just wear those. I kept riding and swimming throughout the healing period. I was just very careful not to dismount with that foot and not to flex it.

How could a stress fracture start on the bike, which isn't a weight-bearing exercise? Maybe that's just where you noticed it first? Did the podiatrist explain that? Just wondering...

So I too was training for my first triathlon. I did it, six weeks later, and walked the run part.

[azfiddle]

As a mom of a former Irish dancer, I heard about a lot of stress fractures. (My son skipped that problem and got a chipped toe bone instead). The kids who were patient and waited until they were fully cleared by the doctor had fewer problems and got back to dancing again sooner than those who tried to come back too soon. Based on that, I'd say be sure to follow the doctor's advice about how long to rest the foot, schedule a follow up appointment at the end of that time period, and don't try to run again if you're still having pain.

Sharon

[salsabike]

And, P.S., in that vein (azfiddle's comment), I wore that shoe with the carbon fiber insole day and night, except for when I was on the bike or swimming. 24/7. Didn't take any chances. I really wanted it to heal for good.