Tibial Stress Fracture

What is Tibial Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures are a common concern for runners in Baulkham Hills and the Hills Area, often associated with running-related injuries. The tibia, situated on the medial side of the lower leg, is particularly susceptible to stress fractures. Understanding the causes and risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

The cause of stress fractures could be due to multiple reasons such as physiology, training, structure and diet habits. Some risk factors for tibial stress fracture include, females, menstrual disturbances, low fat diet and lower bone densities conditions like osteoporosis.

The tibia undergoes significant forces during running, including vertical ground reaction forces and torsional loading. Thus, the increased peak hip adduction and knee internal rotation along with a decreased peak knee adduction alters the normal loading pattern placed on the tibia, which put runners at a higher risk of getting tibial stress fractures.

Symptoms of tibial stress fractures can vary, and early detection is crucial. Symptoms are vague and vary in different patients depending on the fracture site and nature. Patients may experience subtle on and off leg pain after long periods of weight-bearing activity such as standing or running. As the stress fractures progresses, pain may persist even during periods of rest. On physical examination, specific spots along the tibia may reveal sharp pain or tenderness. Swelling may be present in chronic cases of the stress fracture.

For runners in Baulkham Hills and the Hills Area, proactive care is essential. Precision Health Clinics, with its expertise in chiropractic and massage services, offers personalised solutions to address and prevent stress fractures. Take the proactive step toward your well-being by scheduling an appointment with Precision Health Clinics today. Call us now on 02 9639 7337, or book online to prioritise your leg health!

Pohl, M. B., Mullineaux, D. R., Milner, C. E., Hamill, J., & Davis, I. S. (2008). Biomechanical predictors of retrospective tibial stress fractures in runners. Journal of Biomechanics, 41(6), 1160–1165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.02.001

Young, A. J., & McAllister, D. R. (2006). Evaluation and Treatment of Tibial Stress Fractures. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 25(1), 117–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2005.08.015

Book Now With Precision Health today and take the first step towards better health!