Stress fracture, should I see a doctor?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I believe that I have a stress fracture in my shin. I went from a sedentary lifestyle to running two or three miles every day at 5-6mph. I really don't want to have to get my parents involved in this as I hate being an inconvenience to them. Is it possible for stress fractures to heal on their own, at home, or do I have to go see a doctor? I've been in constant pain for over a month and a half now...
0 likes, 3 replies
Marina_Dee susan15341
Posted
Stress fractures do heal on their own especially in the young, which I'm guessing you are. You must rest that leg as much as possible and ice it. Stress fractures can heal in 4-8 weeks but if you havent had any xrays on the injury you may be mistaken about a stress fracture. Dont take Ibuprofen which blocks the chemicals needed for bone healing. Paracetamol is best.
If this doesnt improve very soon, please see a doctor.Dont know which country you are in but if you are 16 you can see a doctor in UK without parents, or go to Casualty.
randy41812 susan15341
Edited
long as the bone doesn't shift into a bad position and u stablize it in some way, you can get away without a doctor. but that's the big if.
IslandMonkey susan15341
Posted
Stress fractures are hard to diagnose and can take ages to cure - I've had one in my shin for 18 months which has got better and worse but never properly healed.
Treatment is 'rest' which can mean anything from not running for a couple of months to needing crutches and a boot.
It's probably worth seeing your GP if you're worried. They may send you for an xray but stress fractures don't normally show up on xrays.