Stress fracture with no new exercise?

Hi

I have a very sore shin, just my left side, it's about 2 inches below my knee, the onset of pain has been gradual over the last few weeks, and is now very bad. It is tender to the touch in about a 2 inch circle, and and weight bearing movements cause a sharp and excrutiating pain. This is most obvious coming down the stairs for example.

I am overweight, but I haven't taken up any new exercise or increased my exercise, and I can't even say when the pain started, but it was gradual.

When I am resting it isn't too bad, just a deep ache but using it is really bad.

Could this be a stress fracture? And how could I get one with little or no exercise? I'm concerned mainly because I've been ill with undiagnosed symptoms since august 2008, symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue etc that have not been diagnosed with any specific illness.

Thanks to everyone who helps.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You would need to diagnose any stress fracture by going for an X-ray. It might be pain at the insertion of the quadriceps tendon just below the knee joint.

With increased body weight even a twist, jump or fall will cause pain and tear in the tendon or will see some involvement of the ligaments in the knee joint.

I would suggest you to apply ice packs take pain killers and get your symptoms properly diagnosed with the help of an orthopedician examination.

Take care!