A Recent Case Study in Clinic of a Stress Fracture we Picked up

Chelmsford Physio • March 26, 2024

BSI in runners are more prevalent than you might think. We had an interesting case in clinic recently, a 27 year old runner, training for the London Marathon.


A very fit, active & healthy, Experienced athlete, good training history and works as a Personal Trainer. Presented with anterior hip pain, complaining of a hip flexor strain.

Based on the history and physical examination, it clearly wasn’t a hip flexor strain and we arranged an MRI to assess the hip joint, it confirmed an early stress fracture to the neck of his femur.


These are relatively common overuse injuries in runners. Often seen in running and jumping athletes and are associated with increased volume or intensity of training workload


Common sites for a BSI include:

  • Femur
  • Tibia (Shin Splints)
  • Fibula
  • Metatarsals


Shin splints is the most common form of early stress injury. This diagnosis reflects a spectrum of medial tibial pain in early manifestations before developing into a stress fracture.


BSI can often take weeks and sometimes months to be diagnosed. An Xray is probably not the best way to investigate, as changes can take months. An MRI or a Bone Scan is more sensitive at detecting changes.


Through early diagnosis and a structured management plan, the prognosis should be a full recovery and a return to running in 6-12 weeks. If not diagnosed at the right stage and poor management, these can worsen and worst case end up needing surgery.


If you suspect a BSI or would like any help with a pain or an injury, get in touch now and speak to an expert Physiotherapist:


Call: 01245 895410

Email: hello@chelmsfordphysio.co.uk

The 10 Best Strategies to Support Recovery After Running a Marathon

By Chelmsford Physio • April 27, 2026
Finishing a marathon is a major physiological stressor. Recovery is not just “rest”; it is a structured process involving rehydration, glycogen restoration, tissue repair, neuromuscular reset, and smart return to training. Below are evidence-informed strategies that many endurance athletes use—aligned with what research says is most helpful for performance and health following long-duration running. 1. Rehydrate and restore electrolytes promptly Long races cause significant fluid loss through sweating and ongoing dehydration risk can impair recovery, thermoregulation, and subsequent performance. Rehydration is most effective when you replace both fluids and sodium (electrolytes), not water alone, particularly if your sweat rate is high or you experienced heavy sweating/cramping. Practical strategy: - Within the first few hours: drink fluids consistently (small-to-moderate amounts frequently). - Use an oral rehydration solution or a sports drink if you’ve been sweating heavily or your body needs sodium. Why it matters: - Water intake supports restoring plasma volume and cellular hydration. - Sodium improves fluid absorption and retention (helping you rehydrate more effectively). (See recommendations on hydration and sodium replacement in endurance settings: Baker and Jeukendrup, 2014; Rehrer, 2012)

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By Chelmsford Physio • April 27, 2026
Improve Your Parkrun - 500+ Google Reviews - Your Local Essex Physio - Riverside Leisure Centre - All Types of Physiotherapy

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