Medial Tibial Plateau Stress Fracture

[angburr]

I joined the gym and started exercising several months ago after years of not getting regular exercise.  I used the EFX PreCor machine for cardio and used the weight machines.  I loved it, so I joined an intense exercise class - 3 days a week, 1 hour each class, of running, jumping, boxer's jog, etc.

One Wednesday morning I went out for a jog on my own and was on the grass.  I hit an uneven spot and when my foot rolled inward, I felt a sharp pain in my knee.  It wasn't bad at first, so I went to class that night and Friday night, though I was limping by then.  By Saturday I couldn't put any weight on it without intense pain.

I limped on it for 2 weeks before my MRI was approved, which showed a medial tibial plateau stress fracture.  The crack is longways in the bone and on the inside of the bone.  

My orthopedic surgeon said I need to be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks - then start with only 25 pounds of pressure for the following 2 weeks!  Is that normal treatment? Is there no other way??

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
           The treatment of medial tibial pateau fractures is ususlly conservative.Take rest and ask your doctor about traction.You could also ask him about casting and braces.Physical therapy can be opted for if your doctor suggests.
Best

[angburr]

Thanks for the reply.  How will I know when it's healed enough for full weight-bearing?  And what can I expect to experience when I do return to full weight-bearing?

Thanks,

Angel