Stress Fractures are a condition where training
load has exceeded your body’s ability to maintain bone structure,
resulting in partial to complete breakdown of the bone.I
remember a friend coming to me about a deep ache in his groin.
He had been training for a marathon and was beginning to limp.
I ordered an X-ray and sure enough, there was a very distinct stress
fracture. We took the X-rays to the orthopedic surgeon who threatened
to pin the fracture if my friend didn’t stay on crutches for two months. He was faithful
with the crutches! He didn’t exercise at all for two weeks and then stayed
in the pool for six weeks. He was able to begin a slow build up
of running after two months and eventually made it back to marathon
running.
During the earlier stages of a stress fracture you may be able
to run without pain after you are warmed up; however, pain is often
increased after the run. As symptoms progress the pain intensifies
and usually leaves you limping.These are very
serious injuries, if you have similar symptoms get evaluated by
a competent health care provider. X-rays will
usually confirm the diagnosis after three weeks of symptoms (although
this varies).
This condition requires proper rest. Plan on at least six weeks
of not running. Cycling, swimming or deep water running are the
best cross trainingoptions because of the decreased
weight bearing. If you are limping when you walk, using crutches
until the limp is gone will dramatically speed recovery.
Considerations: Nutritional or hormonal factors
may affect this condition. Consult a sports physician if you feel
this is a concern.
Stress Fractures are a condition where training
load has exceeded your body’s ability to maintain bone structure,
resulting in partial to complete breakdown of the bone. I
remember a friend coming to me about a deep ache in his groin.
He had been training for a marathon and was beginning to limp.
I ordered an X-ray and sure enough, there was a very distinct stress
fracture. We took the X-rays to the orthopedic surgeon who threatened
to pin the fracture if my friend didn’t stay on crutches for two months. He was faithful
with the crutches! He didn’t exercise at all for two weeks and then stayed
in the pool for six weeks. He was able to begin a slow build up
of running after two months and eventually made it back to marathon
running.