How long does it take for a stress fracture of the fibula to heal?

Question

Or hairline fracture of the fibula. Where is this bone of the foot located? I know it has to be somewhere close to the ankle area.

Answer 1

The fibula is not a foot bone, it is a long bone of the lower leg.

Stress fractures can take 4-6 weeks to heal completely, just as broken bones can. If this was received playing sports, it may take you even longer to get back playing again, because you will have to let it heal THEN start training to get back into shape.

Stay off of it as much as possible, and follow your Doctor's Advice

Answer 2

I experienced a similar break on 10/09/11. I had surgery the same day which resulted in a plate plus 8 screws total. Spent two weeks in a back slab cast, follow up with Ortho to remove stitches and placed in a fiberglass cast for an additional 6 weeks NWB. After fiberglass cast was removed, placed in a Cam walking boot and began PWB and PT. Spent four weeks in the boot with gradual increase in WB and after four weeks, I lost the boot and I am FWB. Spent the last 4 weeks in PT 3/week until this last week when I was told I had plateaued until the syndesmotic screw is removed. If there is one thing I will preach, once your start PT. DO THE EXERCISES. They seem small and insignificant in the beginning, but, make all the difference in the world!! I still have a small limp, but, most pain and discomfort is gone and has been for a few weeks. I will know the detail of screw removal on my next Ortho appt. in three weeks. I'm hoping it breaks and I won't have to deal with another surgery. He has told me if it breaks, it's of no concern and can remain. I read many things when I was on the couch in the beginning and saw some real horror stories and discovered many were due to other health issues/complications. I was very active before this happened. I am 36 years old and regular gym goer, sport player and ideal height and weight. I am a believer this helped my recovery. I am now back to the gym, although I am limited to the stationery bike for now as far as my legs are concerned.