Stress Fractures

[gymnomore]

Scrapntyme- Glad to hear the MRI was clean. Back pain is common in gymnasts so it could be anything. We dealt with that last year and found that taking some time off helped her tremendously. I tend to blame many gymnastics pains on overuse so time off helps, though it may hurt them as far as progress in gymnastics- but then again what's important? My dd had an x-ray yesterday but nothing showed up in her lower leg area. Doc suggested an MRI but we are not going to go that route due to our insurance coverage. So, she will finish out the season the best she can which will last another 4 weeks and then take some time off to heal if it is indeed a stress fracture.

[Scout's Mom]

My daughter was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her back at the age of 13. The diagnosis was done using dye that was injected into her vein, we then came back a few hours later for a scan. I can't remember the name of the test but the dye was radioactive. Apparently, stress fractures in the back can be difficult to diagnose.

The doctor gave her a choice of no gym for 4 months or gym wearing a large, rigid, custom-made back brace for 4 months. She chose the brace. The doctor said that if she was able to do an activitiy wearing the brace, then she was allowed to do it. The brace limited activity dramatically as it went from the upper leg to the lower breast bone and completely encircled her torso.

She was happy with her choice because she could still condition and participate in gym with her friends.

The doctor said that once the growth plates are closed, the chance of such stress fractures is dramatically reduced--so there's light at the end of the tunnel!

Good luck with your daughter--hopefully, the new doctor will be able to make a diagnosis quickly.