“Shin splints?”
I had an X-ray so I do not have a stress fracture, but there is pain. I am wondering if I should stay on crutches or begin to walk carefully.
Male | 72 years old
Complaint duration: 1 week
Medications: ibuprophin
Conditions: shin splints
6 Answers
Shin splints are generally not visible on x-ray. You should rest (avoid activity that causes pain), but you don't necessarity have to use crutches if putting weight on the leg does not hurt, ice the are where you have pain and take anti-inflammatory medications. Since you are using crutches I assume you have seen a doctor for this. I would say continue following their advice.
X-rays can be normal for up to 4-6 weeks with a stress fracture. Using ice, stretching, and the Ibuprophen can be helpful. Using crutches should be based on pain. If the pain is so severe that you can't put weight on the Leg at all, I would recommend a MRI to ensure that you do not have a stress fracture.
The X-ray is not the most sensitive test for a stress fracture. If you are having pain with weight bearing in your tibia or shin. An MRI is more sensitive for a stress reaction or a stress fracture. It is also the best way to image the area musculature. I recommend checking in with the provider who recommended the crutches for the next step.
Good luck,
Dr. L
Good luck,
Dr. L
If you continue to have pain even with anti-inflammatory medications and reduction in activity, I recommend that you see your orthopedist to obtain an MRI of your leg. The MRI will be able to diagnose the stress fracture. Other causes of leg pain are chronic compartment syndrome or sciatica. The chronic compartment syndrome is caused by tight fascia in your leg, and the pain caused by the swelling of the muscles after activities. Sciatica is caused by the irritation of the nerves in your back and can be aggravated by activities.
Tibial pain: some stress fractures don’t appear in X-rays and are only seen on MRI. Make sure you follow up with your orthopedic doctor to see if you need an MRI. Weight bearing status also depends on clinical exam. Have a follow up with your doctor before you progress in weight bearing.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Simple X-ray may not show the stress fractures, MRI is the best imaging tool for that.
