Nagging doubt that a tibial stress fracture might be developing - GP or Physio?

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larkim Jul 2015 11:30am, 7 Jul 2015 210 posts	0 larkim Right shin has been sore on and off for a while now, and doesn't seem to be going away. All runnable at the moment, but there is a localised spot on my shin which is particularly sore when pressed firmly and seems to have something of a bump on the bony parts at that point. Decided that advice is needed - but would you go first to a GP, or a physio (or perhaps even minor injuries at a hospital for quick access to an x-ray) for the most rapid diagnosis? Help gratefully received!!
becca7 Jul 2015 12:17pm, 7 Jul 2015 6,305 posts	0 becca7 That sounds like it might be a strain rather than a fracture - I had something similar a couple of years ago. If you are managing to run on it and it's not constantly sore it does not sound like you need the hospital. A physio is going to be able to identify why you have this and they will be able to recommend some rehabilitation. I'm not sure that a brief doctor appointment will achieve the same.
snayak Jul 2015 12:26pm, 7 Jul 2015 76 posts	0 snayak A stress fracture won't show up in an x-ray until at least a week afterwards. I had the same problem last year. Localized pain in my fibula, kept running on it for three months until it finally snapped. I would say avoid running for at least two weeks until the pain is completely gone.
larkim Jul 2015 12:36pm, 7 Jul 2015 211 posts	0 larkim I'm 100% behind the no running mantra - in any event I was planning on a few weeks block of cycling only to take advantage of lighter nights and better (!) weather - as I want to avoid a snap at all costs! It's the penny pincher in me - free (tax paid for) GP appointment, or free minor injuries waiting room, or paid for physio! Didn't want to waste £35 on a physio session for her to tell me I should refer to GP or hospital!
larkim Jul 2015 12:37pm, 7 Jul 2015 212 posts	0 larkim becca - what was strained? As far as I can tell there is only bone there, but I know so little about anatomy!!
FreshStart Jul 2015 12:39pm, 7 Jul 2015 2,335 posts	0 FreshStart larkim after wasting £££s on several physio appointments last summer, I'd recommend heading straight to minor injuries.
larkim Jul 2015 12:55pm, 7 Jul 2015 213 posts	0 larkim FreshStart - sentiments I can anticipate agreeing with!! My local physio has always been good value for me to be honest, but with my fearful self-diagnosis I'm feeling in limbo!
becca7 Jul 2015 1:33pm, 7 Jul 2015 6,307 posts	0 becca7 It was a sore spot on the shin bone, like you have. A type that gets referred to as shin splints. The physio identified tight calves and gave me some stretches. I didn't run for three weeks but could cross train and it was fine at the end of that.
larkim Jul 2015 1:53pm, 7 Jul 2015 214 posts	0 larkim Brill, does sound very similar - thanks becca! At least I can stop telling myself it must be a stress fracture!!