I'm on week 3 of stress fracture recovery. I know the absolute minimum is 4 weeks, but 6-8 weeks is better. I know young people supposedly heal faster. About how much longer should I have until I can run again? I'm 15. I'm aqua jogging and swimming during this down time so I should keep some fitness, but this is killing me!
Take it easy man. I got a tibial stress fracture when I was 19 and I took 6 weeks off. 4 weeks on crutches, 2 more in a boot. I tried walking on it for a day after 4 weeks and got immediate pain. The pain may go away but it doesn't mean the fracture is gone yet. Be conservative and come back real easy. You gotta be patient and keep the long term in mind... I feel for you.
Even though young people might be able to get back to running sooner, it does not mean they should. The only people who should really be pushing the envelope when it comes to stress fracture recovery are pro athletes with fractures close to major competitions. It's just silly for a 15 year old to try to come back after 4 weeks. Pointless...why bother if there's a 10, 20, 40 % chance you'll have to take 3-6 MORE weeks off? I get you want to start running again...but you have so many years of training ahead of you.
I also had one last year when I was 15! I had to take 8 weeks off (no crutches/boot) but I ran through pain for about three weeks. In order to help healing I submerged my shin in an ice bath for 10 minutes x 2 and I elevated my leg at night. I also swam and ran in the pool which kept me reasonably fit. Rehab exercises are also vital, maybe focus on core while you're out? By week 6, I was ready to start walking at a high tempo so I built up to an hour walking. I didn't do a walk/run program instead I ran 1/2 mile 3 times a week, then 1 mile twice a week plus 1/2 a mile and then I built it up like that. By week 4 each workout was either easy, moderate or fast (tempo pace). I introduced a fourth run during the third week and added a fifth during week seven. All of these workout were completed on a soft surface (grass). Do not neglect icing or stretching when you're back.
Been in your shoes as well. Broke through a tibial/fibular stress fracture combo while playing basketball, had surgery and wasn't physically the same for two years. Taking one or two more weeks of rest is nothing in the long run.
Please be patient.