What is a tibial stress fracture?
A tibial stress fracture is a condition characterized by an incomplete crack in the lower leg bone / shin bone (tibia) (figure 1). During weight-bearing activity (such as running), compressive forces are placed through the tibia. In addition, several muscles attach to the tibia, so that when they contract, a pulling force is exerted on the bone. When these forces are excessive, or too repetitive, and beyond what the bone can withstand, bony damage can gradually occur. This initially results in a bony stress reaction, however, with continued damage may progress to a tibial stress fracture.
