major setback. stress fracture in foot

magsmichelle

I have been slowly increasing my run time and speed. I got it up to 25 minutes at 5.5mph when I began to notice a slight pain in my foot. At first I ignored it (mistake #1) and ran through the pain anyway. It wasn't hurting that bad anyway. Then I took a few days off to try and let it heal. I went back to running last night even though the pain never went away and again pushed through it although this time the pain was a little worse (mistake #2)
woke up to it really hurting, so i went to the doctor this morning and they xrayed it. I have a slight stress fracture in my foot. I have to stop running for at least 4 weeks!
The doctor advised no exercise at all which is upsetting. Surely i can continue with weights, right?
I feel like this is going to really set me back.
If you have had a stress fracture in your foot, what have you done to preserve your fitness progress?

richardheath

Did your Doctor not put you in a boot/on crutches (or a knee scooter)? I would have thought you need to keep your weight off that foot while it heals. I have just recovered from a stress fracture in my femoral neck (top of my leg) and was non-weight bearing on that leg for 10 weeks. I missed the half marathon I was training for :-(

I did no exercise during that time. It was very frustrating! Just getting around on crutches was exercise enough though. You could do some sitting upper body resistance training - just keep the weight off that foot!

I have just now been cleared to start walking, but will not be back to running for another month. My Doc did say I can start adding some strength training back, but light weights, high reps. Nothing too heavy.

Bottom line - you are going to have to let the fracture heal. Try to do too much and you will prolong the healing time. It sucks, but it is what it is. Good luck.

JoRocka

if you're on a knee scooter- or in a boot- looks like a great time to work your upper body.

no reason you can't be doing moderate upper body lifts with a stress fracture in your foot. No exercise as all seem excessive.

dbmata

This is one of the few times when, "It's always arms day" is a good idea. Chase the pump.