Stress fractures in both of my legs (tibia)

[RunnerRachel]

I'm new to this site and I was wondering if anyone would have an answer for me. I've recently found out that I have stress fractures in both of my legs (my tibia) and I can't run for the next 4 weeks. I'm training to get my 3 mile down to about 21 mins because I'm trying to get into the OCS program for the Marine Corps (Officer Candidate School). I was wondering if anyone knew if I would be able to swim or do any other sorts of cardio workouts in the mean time? I tried getting a hold of my doctor several times but he's taking forever to get back to me and I'd like to get back to doing cardio as soon as possible!

[RunnerRachel]

I also forgot to ask... about how long should I wait to run again? I'm extremely anxious to get back out and run! The doctor said 4 weeks and then he needs to see me back for an x-ray and I'm suppose to get a boot fitted for my right leg in the mean time since that's the leg that's worse off. Do stress fractures ever heal all of the way or will I be prone to them from now on? (I'm only 23)

[Tuckervill]

Do yourself a favor, and take the 4 weeks off from running. You will only make it worse if you rush it, and that could have a cascade of consequences that you may regret.

I'd try swimming, and I'd also get the doctor to send you for some physical therapy to help you get some work arounds to stay on target with your cardio.

Good luck with OCS. You must be one tough mama!!

Karen

[kacie tri-ing]

I am soooo sorry!

I agree. Do exactly what your doctor says. It will be emotionally very difficult, but you have to follow those directions. Otherwise you will end up in the same place again before you are ready to be there.

GOOD LUCK!! Let us know how you are doing. Recovery is a difficult mental/emotional time. Stay positive!

[RunnerRachel]

Thank you so much! I'm trying very hard to stay positive! I'm just wondering what cardio I can do in the meantime? I tried calling my doctor a few times and he has yet to get back to me.

[Urlea]

Yikes & sorry, doesn't sound like fun. But it does sound like a good opportunity to cross-train with something lower impact. Who knows, you might find another sport you absolutely love!

Ditto what the other ladies said, take care of yourself & do your best to be patient as your body heals.

[colby]

Hey Rachel,

21 minute 3 miler... yowza! Good luck!!

Take the 4 weeks easy, but do try to keep up your cardio. I would find and work with a good physical therapist - they will give you great guidance on what to do and what not to do, and give you exercises to hopefully prevent this from happening again in the future (if possible).

Swimming is probably the "safest" (be careful pushing off from the wall), then I think anything non-weight-bearing, but you'd want to check with your doctor on what (elliptical? cycling? maybe not for a couple weeks). Maybe you can do water aerobics, too (water running probably too much right now, but again maybe before regular running that'd be okay).

Hang in there. Many of us here have been set back by injury, and the best thing you can do is be patient and get maximum input on how to keep yourself safe. Don't let them blow you off!

[OakLeaf]

(((((Rachel))))) So sorry you have to deal with this.

Definitely get a referral to a PT - and also to someone who can help explain why this happened to you, a nutritionist or endocrinologist or a PT who can coach your running form, or maybe let your PCP take a look at the big picture and go from there.

I would think that you could swim with a pull buoy, but if I were you I wouldn't take anyone's advice on the internet about that.

Does your gym have a hand ergometer?

[Jones]

i was going to suggest the aquajogging with a belt http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/1119.htm boring but effective. I hope you make a speedy recovery and get into the OCS.

[xanesdoc]

My son is a runs college XC and track. Freshman year he had a stress fracture of his hip. He spent months running in the pool with the aquajogging belt and then used the stationary bike. He hated it but was able to maintain some sort of CV shape.

[RunnerRachel]

Thank you all for all of your suggestions and support! My doctor said I can swim as long as I don't feel any pain. So I swam yesterday! My legs ache sometimes but I think that's pretty normal for a stress fracture unfortunately. I'm going to keep swimming, hopefully move to the bike in a couple of weeks and continue weight training my upper body and abs three times a week. Hopefully I don't get too far behind then!

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to prevent this kind of thing in the future though? I ran cross country from 7th-12th grade, and I've been running somewhat consistently since then. I'm kind of surprised that this happened.

[Susan Otcenas]

i was going to suggest the aquajogging with a belt http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/1119.htm boring but effective. I hope you make a speedy recovery and get into the OCS.

A gal in our office training for Ironman Canada in August experienced a stress fracture in her fibula this spring. She successfully used aquajogging to keep her run training on track while still allowing her injury to heal. She was very diligent, and ended up completing IMC in 12 hours.

She said it was REALLY BORING spending so much time in the pool aquajogging, but it was only a few months, and it prevented further injury. Small price to pay.

Best of luck with your recovery!

[Zen]

Does your gym have a hand ergometer?

Exactly my thought but I couldn't recall the name of the machine
Those are a surprisingly good cardio workout.

[spindizzy]

Jones and susan and your doc are on the right track. Swimming in the pool will help you maintain your cardio and prevent further injury.
There is a masters athlete, Earl Fee (Canadian) that has written a book. One of the chapters is devoted to long run pool running and also how to incorporate pool technique into your training.

http://www.feetnessforlife.com/about.html

[RunnerRachel]

I'm not too sure actually. I should definitely see if they have that machine because then that would put no stress on my legs whatsoever. Thank you for the idea! I actually didn't know there was such a thing until recently.