Someone dear to me who shall remain nameless (Bobby G) has been struggling with what he called a “shin splint” for 3 weeks now. After some research, I think we have both come to the conclusion he has a stress fracture. He is obviously pretty bummed, but knows he needs to get better as soon as possible.
Shin Splint or Stress Fracture?
- Is the pain in a large area down the outside/inside of your shin? Yes = Shin splint.
- Is the pain just in a little area smaller than a quarter? Yes = Stress fracture.
- Does the area have just a dull ache and does NOT hurt when pressed on? Yes = Shin splint.
- Does the area hurt when you press on it, with a sharp pain? Yes = Stress fracture.
- Stand on the affected foot and hop on it; does this hurt? Yes = Stress fracture.
Having my own experience with a possible stress fracture on the top of my foot (See “Das Boot“), there are several things I have learned:
- A specialist (Orthopedist) will probably cost a little bit more co-pay if you have insurance.
- If you decide to go to a doctor, realize that when in doubt, they will tell you not to run. This is good advice anyway.
- X-rays are usually cheap/free if you have insurance.
- Often, even if you have a stress fracture, the X-ray will not show it. This could be because by nature stress fractures are very small or because it hasn’t started healing yet (once healing began it would show a callus on the bone).
- If they suggest an MRI, bone scan, fancy-pants ultrasound, etc, slap them in the face and hobble away! Even with insurance these can be $2,000+! Bobby got an MRI for his shoulder in 2009 we just finally paid it off a month ago.
- You can get a boot (usually free with insurance) and wear if you want, but if walking doesn’t hurt I wouldn’t bother. Just wear comfy and supportive shoes.
Things you can do while recovering:
- Don’t run.
- Apply a baggie of ice water to the area daily.
- Ride your bike as a pace bike or along side friends in races/group runs.
- Don’t run.
- Practice your swimming.
- Go shopping at your favorite local running store and buy a perfect new pair of supportive running shoes; old shoes or non-supportive shoes (racing flats, Vibrams, etc) could have been the cause.
- Don’t run.
- Walk any races you had already signed up for. Sure, you may be almost DFL, but at least you won’t be a DNF.
- When you are ready to gradually start running again, run with your slower friends in races/group runs.
- Think about some triathlons you’d like to sign up for now that you have improved your biking and swimming.
