Stress Fracture?

[DISfam2401]

I know most of you are not medical doctors, and I am under the care of one, just looking for some insight. I have had a stress fracture in the past and know I am very prone to them as my bone density sucks due to other medical issues. I'm supposed to be running the 1/2 in 2 weeks and the past few weeks I've had a nagging pain on the interior side of my right tibia, a few inches above my ankle. It is consistent when I run but I can mainly ignore it and have never had to cut a run short because of it. After my 10 mile run a few weeks ago, it was especially painful but after a few days it went away with normal activity. This week my long run was only 8 miles but again, it was painful for a few days afterward especially going up and down stairs. I had x-rays this morning which showed

"There is focal increased density within the lateral
medulla of the mid right tibia, approximately 2.5 cm in length, 12 cm
above the ankle joint line. Sclerosis with slight irregularity of the inner cortex
of the medial aspect of the mid right tibia. No fracture line seen, no lytic
destructive bone changes. No periosteal reaction. No other lesions identified."

I know stress fractures don't always show up as fractures on x-ray. Anyone know what this means? Waiting for my primary doc to call me back but fear it may not be until tonight. Argh, this training cycle was going so well! Thanks!

 

[MICKIMINI]

Can you see a DPT? A ortho specialist in sports medicine may give you a better take on the situation. They are more hands on than your primary. Some States allow direct physical therapy appointments. Good luck!

 

[luv2cheer92]

DPT here....
Ummm, I don't want to make you think its definitive, but that terminology is indicative of a stress fracture. The increased density and sclerosis (bony lesion, can sometimes be unrelated) specifically. But it could be good that there is no evidence of a fracture line.

 

[DISfam2401]

Well, they ordered an MRI to get a definitive answer. It will take a couple days to get authorization from my insurance and with the holidays who knows when it will get done. But I guess it doesn't really matter much anyway - if it is a stress fracture, I shouldn't run the half anyway. And if it's not, I still have something going on that I should rest before the race. Ugh