What does a broken leg feel like after a few weeks?

[NicoAndTheNiners]

I have a chronic stress fracture in my fibula. Started off with pain in my ankle and calf last summer which I ignored but got worse. Thought I had a tendon problem.

Had an mri which shows I have tendonitis but also this stress fracture thing. Some days the pain is very much along the line of my tendon only. So I was sure the pain I was getting was from the tendon issue. Consultant says he thinks the pain will be from the bone.

Some days especially if I've done a bit more walking or cycling the outer calf hurts more. Like a deep ache so I thought muscle issue. But can fractures ache? I just thought it would be a sharper pain?

[AlyssasBackRolls]

Not quite the same, prob a bit more extreme - I had a straight double break of both bones in my calf, then titanium support plus three nails.

The pain I had was tight pain from odema (water retention), stiffness, soreness on the scar on my knee where the titanium went in, and yes an ache in the bone and bruised tissue.

It basically throbbed and my leg ached a lot of the time. I was on crutches for around three or four months.

So not equivalent but I think in answer to your Q yes the bone or an internal feeling around that damaged area can ache as it heals. When you see how bones heal they are layering up over the fractures - incredible but a lot going on under the surface. I'd caution you to allow yourself to heal properly. Tendonitis on its own can go on for ages without proper rest. Get better soon!

[AlyssasBackRolls]

I get the weird damp ache too...

[NicoAndTheNiners]

Thanks, I think the calf ache must be the fracture then. Ive been foam rolling it like mad for ages trying to sort "muscle pain" out! Duh.

So bloody annoyed. It's been going on for nearly a year. I mean I've been running 10k a week and doing ten gym classes most of that year but I've properly rested it for 4 weeks now inc 2 weeks in plaster cast.

[AlyssasBackRolls]

Yes that sort of exercise regime won't let it heal. Let it heal.

[NicoAndTheNiners]

Do you think I could still cycle? I cycle commute to work. I can take it steady and it's no impact?

[SpoonBlender]

Ask your consultant. Recovery is very specific to the case and the progress you're making, opinions from internet randos are of zero help.

[NicoAndTheNiners]

Yeah you're right. Back to see the consultant in 2 weeks. Thanks.

[Hotterthanahotthing]

Bone pain is really painful so your Dr is right.Take it easy until you see your consultant in 2weeks.

[NicoAndTheNiners]

No, shin splints is your tibia. This is only my fibula which doesnt weight bear as much. Doesn't show up on an X-ray but the bottom of the fibula is a total mess on mri.