Do I have a stress fracture?

[tomarsenal]

I had been running with worn out shoes without realising for quite a while and running was causing me a lot of discomfort. I have since had gait analysis etc and have new shoes which have made running far better. When I run my finger down the inside of my shin bone though there is one spot which hurts to touch - is this a stress fracture? As I said running doesn't really hurt anymore so I'm hoping it's nothing too serious, I'm just worried because it's the bone that seems to hurt.

Thanks

[Heidi]

Hi

Its possible that you've had a stress fracture, although unlikely. But if you are at all concerned about it, request an x-ray.
If you don't really have any pain when running now, then even if you did have one, the rest has probably healed it. The area of tenderness on your shin is more likely soft tissue - even the fascia which covers the bone and muscles. This is very thin and so you may just feel the bone underneath.

[tomarsenal]

From what I've read it would be a lot more painful if I did actually have a stress fracture wouldn't it? If the pain is what you described it could be, what sort of training do you think I am OK to do? The pain does seem to get slightly worse the more I run, but nothing too bad, so am I fine to just keep running but being careful not to overdo it by listening to my body?

Thanks alot

[Heidi]

Hi

If it is a fascial problem, then I would suggest getting some sports massage to the whole of the lower leg.
I think you're right that if it were a stress fracture it would be more painful. LIsten to your body, don't push too hard though until you have had it looked at.