Introduction

We are constantly on the move throughout the day, walking, running, standing, and doing errands, all because of the lower and upper portions of our bodies. The body is a complex, unique machine with upper and lower portions with specific jobs and functions. The body’s upper portion provides mobility and functionality to the neck, shoulders, head, arms, and hands. At the same time, the lower portion of the body provides stability and motor control for the hips, legs, knees, and feet. When issues affect the body, they can, over time, cause stress on the musculoskeletal system and affect the joints of the lower extremities, thereby causing pain and disability. Today’s article looks at tibial stress fractures, how they affect the lower body, and how treatments like the MET technique can help. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer therapy techniques like the MET combined with treatment care for individuals with tibial stress fractures in their lower body extremities. We encourage each patient by appropriately referring them to our associated medical providers based on their findings. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way to ask our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer

 

What Are Tibial Stress Fractures?

Have you been dealing with heaviness in your legs and feet? What about unwanted pain radiating from your knees to your shin? Or do your feet constantly feel tired? Many of these issues could be due to muscle overload on the lower extremities associated with tibial stress fractures. Research studies reveal that repeated mechanical stress on the lower extremities can cause microscopic fractures in the tibia. This condition is most common in military recruits, athletes, and runners. In the book “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques” by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., it is stated that two types of tibial stress fractures can occur. They are:

• Fatigue stress fracture: Caused by repeated abnormal muscular stress (torque) applied to the normal bone, which has appropriate elastic resistance potential and density.
• Insufficiency stress fracture: Caused by normal muscular forces applied to mineral-deficient or abnormally inelastic bone.

 

How Do They Affect The Lower Body?

Numerous factors can cause stress fractures in the lower extremities, affecting motor-sensory function and mobility. Some of the factors associated with stress fractures in the tibia include:

• A sudden increase in training or activities
• Uneven surfaces
• Inappropriate footwear
• Inappropriate running style
• Misalignment in the lower limbs

Studies have revealed that when these risk factors cause the development of stress fractures in the legs, they can lead to symptoms like pain and swelling in the legs and feet. If it continues without treatment, it can cause the bones to weaken and be mistaken for musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis or shin splints. 

 

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Gain Mobility Back With Chiropractic Care-Video

Have you been dealing with pain in your legs or feet? Do you feel that you have mobility issues when walking or standing? Or have you noticed that your legs are extremely tired a few days after intense training? Many people experiencing these issues are associated with stress fractures in the lower extremities. Repetitive motions cause stress fractures in the lower extremities over time, which cause small, hairline fractures in the bone. This causes the muscles surrounding the joint to overload the bone, leading to muscle and joint pain. Luckily, there are ways to reduce stress fractures on the lower extremities and restore leg mobility. Treatments like chiropractic care can help with many musculoskeletal disorders associated with stress fractures in the lower extremities. The video above discusses how non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care use various techniques and manipulations to realign the spine and reduce pain associated with stress fractures.

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How The MET Technique Helps The Lower Body

Incorporating stretching techniques and chiropractic care can help reduce the risk of tibial stress fractures and prevent future musculoskeletal injuries. Regarding reducing the effects of stress fractures in the lower extremities, available treatments like chiropractic care can help relieve the pain. Using stretching techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) can help lengthen muscle fibers and reduce muscle pain. The MET technique allows chiropractors to use mechanical and neuromuscular stretches to enhance range of motion, loosen stiff muscles through isometric stretching, and enable the body to heal itself naturally. Other treatments like ice massages, electrotherapy, and non-impact activities (swimming and cycling) combined with chiropractic care can enhance recovery and let the individual know how much stress impacts their joints.

 

Conclusion

The lower portions of the body provide mobility and stability, enabling the individual to move around and perform various actions without pain. However, many risk factors that overload the lower extremities of the musculoskeletal system can lead to stress fractures and cause pain and discomfort. Stress fractures can, over time, cause pain and swelling in the legs and can affect a person by making them unable to walk without feeling pain in every step they take. Luckily, treatments like chiropractic care and stretching techniques like MET can help loosen and lengthen stiff muscles and relieve tension in the legs. Through continuous treatment, many individuals become aware of how much overloading pressure they put on their legs and can become more mindful of their daily activities, pain-free.

 

References

Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.

May, Todd, and Raghavendra Marappa-Ganeshan. “Stress Fractures – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 17 July 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554538/.

Robinson, Patrick G, et al. “Stress Fractures: Diagnosis and Management in the Primary Care Setting.” The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428476/.