Shinbone stress fractures are common in runners and caused by overuse and stress on the tibia bone. Symptoms include shin pain, swelling, and tenderness. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and bone scan, and risk factors include overtraining, poor nutrition, and low hormone levels.
A shinbone stress fracture, which occurs in the lower leg bone along the front of the calf muscle, is an overuse bone injury common in runners. The primary symptom is shin pain, typically experienced as a crescendo that gets worse with activity. Other symptoms include swelling along the shinbone and tenderness in the calf muscles. However, the pain usually doesn’t occur at rest. There are many factors that can lead to a tibial stress fracture, such as overtraining, poor nutrition, and low testosterone or estrogen levels.
Repetitive overuse and stress on the tibia bone prevents it from being able to heal naturally and lead to a tibial stress fracture. The bone is unable to absorb shock due to repeated trauma, which weakens the bone. A diagnosis involves a thorough history, physical exam, and possibly a bone scan. X-rays generally don’t show a bone stress fracture, although subsequent X-rays can reveal where the bone is trying to heal.
The most common symptom of a shinbone stress fracture is shinbone pain located along the lower half of the shinbone and is similar to the pain experienced with shin splints. It usually begins as a dull ache or slight irritation and builds up to a stabbing, shooting pain with continued use of the leg. The pain gets progressively worse with activities such as walking, running, or exercise. Generally, shin pain goes away with rest, although in severe cases it can continue even when the leg is not being used. In these cases, the pain can be so severe that it prevents a person from walking.
Another symptom of a tibia stress fracture is swelling along the shinbone due to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and tissue surrounding the bone. The tibia bone may hurt or there may be muscle tension in the fracture area when pressed. In some cases, calf or knee pain can also occur with a tibial stress fracture.
There are several factors that can cause the pain and other symptoms of a tibial stress fracture. Overtraining, such as doing a workout that’s too intense or too high, can result in a shin bone injury from repetitive stress. Poor nutrition and lack of calcium and magnesium can lead to poor bone health and increase the risk of stress fractures. Low testosterone or estrogen levels are also risk factors, as is chronic use of certain medications such as steroids.
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