Netballer Shin Stress Fractures

[netballer06]

Hi Im New Here,

I'm 33 years old and have stress fractures of the shin area. I dont know the serious nature of my injuries as I have only seen my GP, who has x-rayed my shins and determind that I have stress fractures. I believe they are bad as its very sore to touch the front area of my shins. My doctor suggested rest and lots of it.

I rested for 6 weeks and resumed playing again once a week with no training. I feel the rest did no good and feel the shins have worsen. I recently learnt that perhaps I should place sport insoles in my ascic netball shoes to assit? Will this help?

I have read many articles on stress fractures and in my opinion there really is now way to overcome my injuries to suit the sport I do. We play on hard concrete or bituemn surfaces and it is a very high impact sport.

I know I shouldnt have registered this year but I love the sport and I want one more season before I retire. We will train once a week and play once a week . Im realising now my injuries are here to stay if i continue to play netball and fear I may need to stop playing altogether.

I would appreciate any suggestions or oppions on this matter ..

Concerned Netballer

[injuryupdate]

Advice depends on the type of stress fracture you have:

Anterior stress fracture - dreaded black line on X-ray at the front middle of the shin = very difficult to heal, prolonged rest needed, maybe even cast and surgery.

Medial (inside) stress fracture - you can afford to train and play through the pain if you wish, as these usually eventually heal. Orthotics (arch supports) tend to help.

[netballer06]

Thankyou for your reply .

A question though:- say I do have the anterior stress fracture - dreaded black line on X-ray at the front middle of the shin , what would the result be if I still play this season? What is the worse case scenerio?