This is what a bone scan image of a tibial stress fracture looks like.
After two months of pain (and denial) in my right shin, I finally know exactly what's wrong. I went to the doctor about a month ago, and he recommended easing back on my running. With the Boston Marathon just weeks away, I cut back and focused on cross training. In the two weeks leading up to Boston, I only ran three miles.
I haven't run at all since Boston. When I got home from the race, I called my doctor and asked to get an X-Ray of my leg. It came back clear, but because my leg wasn't getting better, he ordered a bone scan.
As soon as the image came up on the screen, I was pretty sure it was a stress fracture since there was a glowing white spot in the exact place of my pain.
It is still sinking in that I won't be able to run for 4-6 weeks. Today has been a roller coaster of emotions.
But I'm trying to be positive. I am trying to focus on the fact that I finally know what is wrong and can work toward helping my leg heal and making sure my body is strong when I can run again.
Stress fractures are a pain! I've had 2 of them and they are hard to diagnose. I still think they are HUNDREDS times better then an IT band problem or plantar fasciitis. PT took me out of running for almost a YEAR! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Kathee's comment - stress fractures have a finite heal time, other injuries can linger forever (or at least feel like it)! I know how frustrating it is to stay away from running, but you'll come back stronger. Enjoy the crosstraining - my first stress fracture was the reason I started doing triathlon!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I know how this feels. I also ignored pain for weeks, PRed my half marathon, then stopped running last November. I'm almost back to running 30 minutes at a time now but still have soreness and need lots of rest after running. It's a longer process than I realized. The injury did get me biking, swimming, and weight lifting but I spent most of the time being frustrated I couldn't run.
ReplyDeleteOh, and my stress fracture appears to be in the exact same spot as yours. I hope your healing goes smoother than mine has!
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