Nancy’s Health: Stress Fracture
At age 15, Nancy injured her leg during a gymnastics practice.
- She was in considerable pain & could not weight bear
- Taken to the local emergency department by her mother
- X-ray & blood work were ordered
- Diagnosis: stress fracture of the left tibia
Causes
Many factors can contribute to stress fractures of the shin. Some can be managed and others can not.
- Repetitive movements in high-intensity activities such as long-distance running, track & field, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, dance
- Improper athletic technique or footwear
- Increasing training or weight-bearing exercises too quickly
- Not getting enough rest between workouts
- Working out on a different type of surface than usual
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Being over- or underweight
- Osteoporosis
- Eating disorders
- Low vitamin D levels
- Calorie intake imbalance
Treatment
Physician will recommend a combination of treatments & lifestyle changes:
- Taking a break from high-impact activity until you’re fully healed
- Elevating your leg and applying ice for 10 minutes to ease pain and swelling
- Taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine
- Using crutches to keep weight off your shin while you heal
- Physical therapy
- Severe stress fractures may require a cast or surgery to ensure proper healing
- Take 4-12 weeks (sometimes longer) to heal
- Increase activity slowly
- Sports medicine specialist or qualified trainer can help redesign workout routine
Additional Tips for Healing
- Rest
- Start cross-training
- Invest in proper footwear
- Elevate and ice
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Manage your weight
- Work with an experienced trainer
