[header] How to return to running after a stress fracture [title] For the first two weeks, rest. [step] Immediately following a fracture, complete rest is advised. During this time, the pain and swelling will be at their maximums since the fracture is still fresh-any further stress will almost certainly worsen it. 
[substeps] Rest does not mean you have to stay on a bed and live like a couch potato. Rest simply means avoid doing strenuous activities that can add workload in your bones and muscles.