I keep getting stress fractures. Why?

This question was posed to Dr. Lewis G. Maharam. Often getting to the bottom of a problem is about asking the right questions. His answer covered the basic questions that one should ask for recurring stress fractures.

I am experiencing my fifth stress fracture in two years. First my right tibia, then my left hip, my right tibia, and now my fourth metatarsal. I heal fine; my doctor has me rest for eight weeks, and then I go back to run and another problem occurs. I work up slowly to 40 miles per week and then bam!… another stress fracture! Why does this keep happening to me? - Jennifer V., Little Neck, NY

Read about Dr. Maharam's basic questions here.

Dr. Lewis G. Maharam is the world’s premier running physician. He is medical director of the New York Road Runners, ING New York City Marathon, all of Elite Racing’s Musical Marathons, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. Dr. Maharam also serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors, International Marathon Medical Directors Association.