Stress Fractures

Stress Fracture Treatment for Runners in Wimbledon and Raynes Park

At Podium Physiotherapy, we have a specialist interest in the assessment and management of bone stress injuries. With personal experience in overcoming a bone stress injury and returning to competitive sport, we are here to share our expertise.

Common Running Stress Fractures

• Sacral stress fracture
• Tibial stress fracture
• Metatarsal stress fracture
• Femoral stress fracture

Stress Fracture Management - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I run with a stress fracture?

  No, running with a stress fracture is generally not recommended, as continued impact can worsen the injury and delay healing. In some cases, a stress reaction or very low-grade injury may allow modified activity, but this should only be determined following assessment by a physiotherapist or sports medicine professional. Early management is important to prevent the injury progressing to a complete fracture.

• How long does a stress fracture take to heal?

  Healing times vary depending on the location and severity of the stress fracture, but most runners require between 6–12 weeks before returning fully to running. Higher-risk areas may take longer. Recovery also depends on addressing contributing factors such as training load, strength deficits, biomechanics, nutrition, and recovery habits.

• Do I need an MRI for a stress fracture?

  An MRI is often the best imaging test for diagnosing a stress fracture, particularly in the early stages when X-rays may appear normal. However, not every runner requires imaging. A physiotherapy assessment can often identify whether imaging is necessary based on symptoms, examination findings, and the suspected injury location. If you require an MRI we can refer you on for this.

• Can physiotherapy help stress fractures?

  Yes. Physiotherapy plays an important role in both recovery and prevention of stress fractures. At Podium Physiotherapy, treatment focuses not only on symptom management, but also identifying the underlying causes of the injury. This may include strength testing, running load management, biomechanical assessment, rehabilitation exercises, and structured return-to-run planning to help runners return safely and reduce the risk of recurrence.