Neck of femur stress fracture

Injury/Nutrition Other

6 years ago 07/21/2017 5:48am EDT

Hi all,

I'm new to this so apologies if there's already a million posts on this subject.

I'm a very keen runner, currently on crutches due to a hip stress fracture. I haven't run for 3 weeks now, and was foolishly running on pain relief for sometime.

Walking isn't too much of a problem, but I've been told to keep weight off totally for 4 weeks on crutches. Almost impossible with 3 kids!

Has anyone else had this and "cheated" when it comes to crutches, but still had a successful recovery? I am using them when I can but my husband works long hours and I can't do anything at home on them.

Thanks in advance

Alice x

6 years ago 07/21/2017 6:13am EDT

re: Runalicerun

What did everything feel like leading up to the sfx and how exactly were you diagnosed?

As far as getting off the crutches, you probably know already that's a big gamble and one with consequences. You could end up prolonging recovery and set yourself back even farther. Can you ditch the crutches? Sure you can, but there can be a price to be paid with one awkward step down the stairs or getting out of your car, or chasing your kid to put them in the shopping cart. I see you said you haven't run in 3 weeks but how long have you been on crutches? Also, ditching the crutches would greatly depend on how bad your sfx is. If it's almost all the way through the femer then I'd highly suggest against it, if its only the early stages and a borderline stress reaction then you likely could be fine. Depends on how soon you caught this. I have ditched crutches for a sfx of the tibia after about 4 days. I couldn't do it, however; it took me a while to get back to running. Largely on my part of coming back too hard too soon. Be careful. Maybe someone else can chime in.

6 years ago 07/21/2017 6:37am EDT

re: Runalicerun

Listen to your doctor or go get a second opinion from another doctor who will look at your scans and your detailed history. A femoral neck stress fracture can turn into a complete fracture which is just all bad and often has awful complications requiring surgery for fixation. Read about avascular necrosis for potential fun things that can happen. Crutches for 4 weeks sucks, but hip surgery and months of crutches, pain and rehabilitation is worse. I'd pick the 4 weeks on crutches. Heck, I'd choose 6 weeks on crutches over a complete fracture. You have an injury that just is not worth messing around with. Take it very seriously and listen to your doctor or you risk potentially deviststing consequences.

6 years ago 07/21/2017 7:39am EDT

re: Runalicerun

I would seek a second opinion. Four weeks of crutches seems unusual for a sf. I had a femoral neck sf, a bad one to the point I could not even hold a running stride for a few metres if I tried. I used crutches for maybe a week and healed in 6 months.

6 years ago 07/21/2017 8:14am EDT

re: Runalicerun

Thanks everyone. It's only a very early small fracture on the underside of my femur. I've seen the image and it's also "snowy" around the bone which is bone edema apparently where the bone is stressed but not broken.

Totally understand I need to be as careful as possible and can't risk further damage.

It just feels really ailien using crutches when walking doesn't hurt. My instincts are to walk unless there's pain.

6 years ago 07/21/2017 9:14am EDT

re: Aliceeessa

I was the same aliceeessa, couldn't run more than a couple of strides, then even walking hurt.

What exercise have you been doing to stop muscles from totally going? Xx

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Neck of femur stress fracture

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.