Fibula Stress Fx - Need Advice

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16 years ago 10/26/2007 2:07pm EDT

Diagnosed today (based on x-ray) with a fibula stress fracture (about 3 inches below knee, midway point of calf) in my right leg.

I've noticed no pain when running ... just this sore spot that is not always noticable and it's been around for about 3 months. I've been able to run 60-70mpw and have had no pain during runs. Only recently has it become a little more noticable after a few track workouts but even that fades with a day or two of rest.

The Doc said to take 3 weeks off and then he'll look at new x-rays. He even said that I could run the half marathon I'm supposed to race in tomorrow and then rest/cross train from there to next appointment.

Several questions for those with experience:

1) Taking 3 weeks off ... absolutely necessary? Is there a way to work through this with reduced volume and soft surface running or am I better with rest?

2) If I do take time off, what are my best options for maintaining fitness?

3) Any options for speeding recovery? Calcium supplements good or bad?

Any other advice would be appreciated.

16 years ago 10/26/2007 2:27pm EDT

re: HardlyAnyPain

Had the Fib Fract last year, at 51 years old. I'd run on mine for 5 months before it got so bad that I went in for the diagnosis. The fibula is an uncommon location for a stress fracture, I was told. It's also not a vital bone, and sections are sometimes used in other bone repairs. But, as long as it is a living component of the body and blood flows through the injured area, you are going to get pain. I did a half-marathon, the Boston Marathon, one 5K, two 10K's and a 7-mile race before having to stop all running for 3 months. I was cleared, however, for bike riding which I did intensely.

Everything healed up fine, the bike riding kept me in somewhat good shape - calves lost alot of strength, though - and I've been humming along pretty good since.

Listen to your doctor, be patient and take your time with recovery. Since then, I now take calcium supplements. Hope this helps, good luck.

16 years ago 10/26/2007 4:54pm EDT

re: The World Under My Feet

i had similar symtpoms (very little pain) last year, and ignored them. I ran an easy 10miles one Saturday, took Sunday off because fibula area was pretty sore, then track workout on Monday and I made it half way through and limped off the track. Within an hour or so I could not walk at all and was on crutches for 10 days. Total time off=10weeks. So, in a word, take the time off now.

16 years ago 10/26/2007 6:41pm EDT

re: HardlyAnyPain

16 years ago 10/27/2007 5:17am EDT

re: HardlyAnyPain

Any other opinions. There was a shadow (supposedly the stress fracture) on my fibula x-ray. I thought you couldn\'t see them early on ... does that mean this one could be an old one?

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Fibula Stress Fx - Need Advice

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