Will it be effective if I start non weight bearing now a stress fracture that occurred 5 months ago?

Basically I got a stress fracture at the base of my 4th metatarsal in July. It took until mid August to get diagnosed by an mri. The mri said it was already healing so my orthopedic doctor said I could walk on it, just less. And it should heal. August passed, September passed. It was still hurting a lot. I went back to the doctor, she ordered a CT scan and it showed it hasn’t healed. By the time I got the CT it was early October. She told me I REALLY need to stay off it but I don’t need to use crutches or go non weight bearing. So I took leave from work. And only walked when necessary at home. My steps went from 2,000 to 200-300.

Still wasn’t improving. So I got a knee scooter and used it for about a week before I went on a trip that required walking (this trip was booked 6+ months ago and I couldn’t not go). Now that I’m back I got a second opinion from a podiatrist and he said the reason it hasn’t healed is because I’m walking on it. And I need to reduce my steps by at least 90% and walk on my heel.

I’m confused why these doctors aren’t telling me to non weight bear. Do you think if I start non weight bearing now for a few weeks it would heal? I’m not sure how bones work but does the bone stop healing after it’s been this long from the initial injury?