<s>[INST] Hello I developed a stress fracture in the heal from playing too much basketball. The season starts now... so should I stay off it 4 weeks and get it healed, or should i get through the whole basketball season with the stress fracture and then address it later? [/INST] Hi, It will not cause any problem once it is healed. Since the stress fracture has involved the weight-bearing bones of your foot (heel) it takes from 6 to 8 weeks for such a fracture to heal. Returning to basketball season too soon can put you at risk for larger, harder-to-heal stress fractures and an even longer downtime. Re-injury could lead to chronic problems and the stress fracture might never heal properly. Once your pain has subsided, your doctor may confirm that the stress fracture has healed by taking X-rays or a CT scan then only you will be allowed to join your activity slowly. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  </s>