How Long Would A Stress Fracture In My Left Heel Take To Heal?

Posted on Mon, 7 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 May 2018 Answered on

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been diagnosed with a stress fracture in my left heel. He took X-rays and then an MRI. Dr suggested I wear a boot which I am doing. I am refraining from playing tennis or getting my normal exercise.The fracture occurred sometime in the last half of March. How long before it will heal and I can return to playing tennis?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Fractures can take 12 weeks to heal in most patients

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

A fracture can take approximately 12 weeks to heal in most patients. In your case there is a stress fracture and I guess that proper care is being taken to allow healing to progress.

Regarding playing tennis, you need to be careful to allow good healing of the stress fracture. It is important to take another xray after 12 weeks from date of the first xray and look for signs of healing. Once satisfactory healing is documented then you can slowly start playing short duration tennis games without exerting significant stress on the heel bones.

It is important to know if you are suffering from vitamin D deficiency and if confirmed then it is to be corrected with supplements.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad