BUD/S with a Stress Fracture?

[v1perc0mm]

I have been preparing for BUD/S for some time and recently I was told by medical that I have what it looks like the start of a stress fracture , the doc said no running or hard impact on it for 4-6 weeks. The fracture is on the lower inside of my left leg. I was planning on leaving to BUD/S within the next couple of months. Do you think it will heal by then? Any advice from anyone whose had a stress fracture prior to going to BUD/S would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[308Angel]

V1per,

Check with your doc about liquid Calcium/magnesium. That should strengthen the bones. You can also do a poultice of comfrey over the affected area or make a tea of sorts that you can soak a wash cloth in and put over the affected bone. Just don't use boiling water, only warm water. Boiling destroys the element in the comfrey that helps the bones knit. Comfrey was known as "bone knit" back in the ancient times.

308Angel/aka xoxoxo

[BJB]

In training horses, the currently accepted theory is that training a young horse creates microscopic stress "fractures" of the bone which the body then heals by laying down layers of calcium to 'fill in' the fracture. A side-effect of this in-filling is that the bone is strengthened by the additional calcium deposited at the site of the miscroscopic fracture. The training program for young horses just beginning their training is to give short periods of stress (i.e., work) so as to promote circulation and, therefore, healing without worsening the tiny fractures.

What you seem to have is much more serious than a microscopic fracture. If you want it to heal, you have to allow the fracture to in-fill with sufficient calcium to strengthen the site of the original weakness. A wise trainer would not allow a young horse to be ridden on hard ground for fear that the concussion might lead to serious bone and/or joint problems. Your doctor has given you advice that any horse trainer would approve.

By the way, if you are not in a cast for this fracture, why not spend the next four to six weeks concentrating on your swimming? Good all-over workout, and no hard concussion.

[v1perc0mm]

Angel,

Thanks for the info. I just bought some Calcium pills and have been drinking a couple glasses of milk a day. Are you a doctor or a nurse? Sounds like you know what you are talking about.

Thanks Again...

[v1perc0mm]

BJB,
Are you a horse trainer? You seem very knowledgable on the subject. That additional calcium must be the hard lump I have now on my leg. Another thing now is that my whole lower leg is sore now escpecially when I wake up. Do you think this is the healing process? I have been swimming, and riding a stationary lay back bike to relieve any pressure on it. Thanks for the info.

[BJB]

Keep up your regime of milk+calcium. If, however, the hard lump persists, go back to your doctor because you may be laying down too much calcium at the site of the fracture, Don't worry: it's not permanent. Excess calcium will be slowly reabsorbed into the body.

One advantage that you have over the average horse: if that stress fracture doesn't heal over the next two months, it is highly unlikely that the Navy will take you out and shoot you!

See? It's all a matter of perspective!

[v1perc0mm]

HAHAHA!!!!!!!!

Good Point.

Thanks again

[dboyle]

I've sustained an injury similar to yours only on the opposite side of the left ankle slightly above the lateral medulus. I suspected the start of a stress fracture, so I've quit running for about a week now (was running 4-7 miles a day, 6 days a week.) The area is still tender upon applying pressure, but the pain has subsided tremendously. I also developed what looks to be hip flexior strain in my right leg. The possible hip flexior strain seems to be from overstretching in combination with constant and rapid contraction (during running) and isn't healing as rapidly as I would like. Best I can do is ice it 20 on, 20 off, for as a long as it takes with rest. From my experience with doctors, they seem to be rather generous in heal and resting time (covering themselves.) Four to six weeks seems like a long time to be out from running. I agree that staying away from hard impact activity for at least two weeks. Swimming is a great idea to build aerobic fitness, but really isn't a substitute for the legs (some hard impact is necessary.) Everyone heals at different rates, but be careful not to reinjur the same problem area by ignoring proper resting times or jumping back into the same level of training (before the injury) too fast. Good Luck, I'm sure you will prevail. :)