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Tibial Stress Fracture
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Cheers for the replies guys, physio booked for Monday.
Remember my physio, who was experienced and was recommended by the club chairman, didn't spot the stress fracture despite regular visits over three months. The only definitive tests are bone scan and MRI. If the physio says it isn't a stress fracture best to get an opinion from a properly qualified orthopaedic surgeon.
Physio was convinced it isn't a stress fracture and that it is a pain in the tendon between the tibia and the adjoining muscle, caused by a lot of stiffness in the ankles from scar tissue (several sprained ankles) and lack of flexibilty. It sounded convincing!
Although if he says stress fracture he gets no repeat fees, and this way he thinks I need a few sessions to try and get rid of some scar tissue!
Mine said something similar re stiff ankles and flexibility, she was wrong and her treatment made it worse. Though to be frank her story changed during the treatments.
See an orthopod and get a MRI if it doesn't improve significantly very quickly. Above all don't run if in pain. If you have private medical insurance use it.
I'm now just over 7 months in with my tibial sf and it's still not healed. I am now using an Exogen device and hope that there is more positive news in the new year.
Ive never had any real pain, which is why I ran on it for 3 months. Still on crutches but am allowed to walk without them in the house (bungalow).
last X-ray showed a less defined fracture but no callous....it's getting tedious now
I am out of the air cast boot but still get some pain if I walk too far in my office shoes. Have managed a three by one minute run on the treadmill without pain. Was making sure that I had a high cadence. I find pain is relived when I where compression guards. Work on the same principle as the air cast by putting pressure on the bone.
Surrey Runner
Glad to hear you're making progress, albeit slowly. Hope 2014 brings you some good pain free runs.
F
Hi Fiona,
have you you tried an air cast? Aside from surgery, it is one of the few evidence based treatments for a stress fracture.
R
No air cast....just crutches.
The first 2 weeks non weight bearing and the last 7 months, partial weight bearing. I have been referred to a specialist in lower limb sports injuries now so hope he can shed a more positive light.
F
I saw a lower limb specialist locally here in Surrey at the Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic, a Mr Michael. The aircast works by putting pressure on the bone to encourage blood flow to the limb while at the same protecting it and discouraging you from putting too much weight on it. I wore it for six weeks.
Which hospital does your consultant work at? There are a number that you don't want to go anywhere near. You can also look up your consultant's kill rate on line.
R
A 'kill rate' sounds ominous!
The consultant works at the north Lincolnshire trust hospitals and has a private practice, but then I think that most offer private work.
i am allowed to now put 50% of my weight through it, this was less until recently. I am also allowed to walk without crutches in the house now, with is great.
the Exogen machine uses ultrasound to try and stimulate blood flow/ healing and I'm now 9 weeks in with that. Next appointment is on the 27 th january.....fingers crossed!
North Lincolnshire is in the bottom 14 NHS trusts as far as quality of care is concerned so likely to have high mortality rates. Essentially more patients die at the Trust than would be expected based on the type of patients they see. But as you are seeing the consultant privately you should be OK.
After almost 9 months on crutches.....it's healed! It's not a atrong mend yet, but I'm allowed to cross train and have started to cycle. Running will take longer but at least I feel that I've got my life back!