Stress fractures are common when you are training for a long race. Here’s what you can do
Q. While competing recently in the Miami Marathon, I developed pain in the front of my left shin around mile 17. I was able to finish the race but the pain got progressively worse. Since then, I have been limping and the pain is only slightly better despite my resting. Is this unusual, when will I get better, when can I resume running and do I need to see a doctor?
A. Runners who increase their mileage while training for a race are prone to developing stress fractures.
Stress fractures are micro fractures of a bone caused by repetitive actions. Your training period plus the difficulty of such a long race may have injured the front part of your shin bone called the tibia. Tibial stress fractures can be a serious injury that sometimes require surgery to insert a metal rod to get the fracture to heal.
There are less severe causes of shin pain, but you should see an orthopedic surgeon for an exam, X-ray, and possible MRI scan. Depending upon the diagnosis, this will determine how long it will take to get better and resume training.
Before you return to running, you should have your running shoes checked to make sure they are right for your feet.
Custom made softcushioned orthotics for your running shoes may be helpful in decreasing your risk of re injury. Cross training and running on softer surfaces may also help while training in the future.