Dr. Jiwu Chen

Sports Medicine Specialist

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Return to running

How should running resume after a stress fracture heals?

Doctor’s answer

Daily walking should be pain-free, local tenderness resolved, strength and mobility restored, and bone healing confirmed when appropriate. Return to running should begin with walk-run intervals and gradual weekly load increases. Recurrent pain means stepping back to an earlier stage.

Author: Dr. Jiwu Chen Medical review: Dr. Jiwu Chen