My lower left leg has been hurting for some time now. Back in Feb. it started hurting so I stopped running for about a month. Next month I tried again, still hurt, so I stopped for another month. Tried running again, still hurt, took 2 months off. Ran low, slow miles for about a week and it began hurting again. It's not shin splints so I'm wondering if it's a stress fracture. I've tried the whole RICE thing but it hasn't helped. I really thought with this much time a stress fracture would've healed. thanks!
2007-07-03 05:18:24 · 6 answers · asked by byankfan 2 in Sports ➔ Running
To test yourself for a stress fracture, apply pressure with your fingers along the area where it hurts. If there is one very localized spot that causes you pain, then it is likely a stress fracture. (It would sound something like this: "ok, ok, not bad, kinda sore, ok, OH HOLY HELL OUCH!") If the pain is more generalized, than it's probably something else. Could be shin splits (you didn't mention why you'd ruled that out) or compartment syndrome. My suggestion would be to find a good physical therapist -- one who will work with you to find the source of the problem and help you keep running. Also, make sure you're wearing good shoes, and the right shoes for your gait type (see http://www.topspeedrunning.com/FAQ.html#bestshoe ). Your local running store may have a suggestion as to a good athlete focused physical therapist.
Good luck, and run happy!
2007-07-03 05:36:07 · answer #1 · answered by SJS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have expected a stress fracture to have healed in this time also. As you have ruled out shin splints - and I feel this is correct in this situation due to the time given, if the pain doesn't ease once warmed then shin splints can be quickly ruled out - then your major choices remaining are between stress fractures and compartment syndrome. A stress fractures treatment is simply a long period of rest, and I would have thought a month sufficient, certainly 2 months should have healed in that time.
Theres a few possiblities here from my eyes:
One could be that your shoes or form could be very bad, and rather than the same injury it could be a rapidly reoccuring injury that is being caused, as the previously healed site would already be weak; one reason I'm thinking this is because once you returned to running you had a period of running before pain returned. While I would expect you to have picked up on causes and so remove dthis risk its still a possibility to be considered.
It could be a stress fracture that for whatever reason isn't healing, go to your doctor for an x-ray and if neccesary scans to diagnose this, although a possitive diagnosis will leave you nothing but a long peiod of rest.
It could be compartment syndrome, theres many detailed reports available with a quick search so I won't type up a full summary of what it is, basically it occurs when pressure within the muscle along your shin builds to high levels, which stops blood and oxygen from reaching the nerve and muscle cells causing intense pain; this often comes with numb/weak feeling feet as a symptom, and the pain will continue while not excercising.
It could also be a muscle tear of some sort, I've had muscles tears take 4-5 months to heal before, although never in my leg of such a severe nature it could be possible.
I'm slightly amazed you haven't already seen a specialist though, and thats what I'ld advice you do know, even if you think you have managed to pin down a cause. More rest is on the horizon in any case I'm afraid.
2007-07-03 05:41:59 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stress fractures can take a very long time to fully heal, typically those in the leg take a minimum of 3 mo. but can take up to six months depending on how bad it is. If you've taken all this time off without seeing a sports doctor, I highly advise you to see one now. The whole time you were off you could have been in an air cast to take pressure off the fracture so you can walk. Not that the time off was for nothing, but you should go see a doctor now. Nothing will help it heal except rest. They are frustrating, I know. I had them in my back and they took 5 months to heal. The important thing is to never get down about an injury. It WILL heal and you WILL run again.
2007-07-03 05:35:05 · answer #3 · answered by yea 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be to see a specialist....get it xrayed to see if it indeed is a stress fracture. A podiatrist could help you if it is one recommended by the local running store. Or a orthopedic dr...make sure that specializes in running injuries.
A stress fracture is about 6 weeks off from running....doing non weight bearing stuff like pool running, cycling, elliptical is ok. Then a gradual return to running, once it has healed.
Used to work for a podiatrist....and most stress fractures we saw were in the dorsal part of the foot...the top part...involving the metatarsals...I may have seen one or two on the shin bone...in which case the patient wore a cast or removeable boot for 6 weeks. Hope this helps.
2007-07-03 05:41:56 · answer #4 · answered by Terri S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like shin splints to me.....where is the pain located? Is it about half way up either side of your shin betweeen your knee and ankle? If so, that is what it is. Probably not a stress fracture unless you were running on it for a long time w/ this problem...It sounds like you've taken plenty of time off to let it heal....because the pain is coming back so soon, I'm willing to bet it has something to do w/ your foot mechanics. Do you have flat feet? Have you been properly fit for your running shoes? I would suggest going to a specialty running store and have a professional look at your feet and running style. Explain to them the problem you have been having and perhaps they can find a good shoe for you to solve the problem. Lots of stretching is VERY important but I've found that strengthening my shins is what has helped me the most. Walk around on your heels throughout the day....and tap your toes up and down as fast as you can for as long as you can. I suffered from shin splints for a while only in my left shin and finally, after lots of research, found out what the problem was. I ordered special inserts for my shoes and haven't had any problems since. Read the link below....it really helped me understand shin splints and what was causing the problem.
http://www.watfxc.com/TF/TF%20Education/shin_splints.htm
Good luck and don't give up....with a little time and patience you will surely get rid of your shin splints for good.
2007-07-03 05:41:56 · answer #5 · answered by Ruthie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I understand your pain but not your apparent reluctance to spend the money to get to the bottom of it - that just amazes me. I was training for the marathon, had the same symptoms as you. I took a month off, got new shoes, and finished the marathon. My theory was that rest and no running would the answer no matter if it was a stress fracture or not. Luckily, after a month off, I was okay, no more symptoms.
The worst part of this ordeal is that you could be building up layers of scar tissue and other damage if it is a stress fracture. Get to a sports medicine doctor and get a bone scan, ultra-sound, or whatever is necessary to get it diagnosed and healed up. Good Luck
2007-07-03 15:53:25 · answer #6 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go to a doctor
2007-07-03 06:10:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋