Femoral bone stress injuries can be difficult to diagnose, challenging to manage and, particularly at the femoral neck, potentially serious if missed.

In this episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson is joined by physical therapist and running coach Nathan Carlson to discuss the diagnosis and management of femoral neck and femoral shaft bone stress injuries in runners.

They cover:

How femoral neck and shaft bone stress injuries typically present
Key clinical findings that should raise suspicion
The role of MRI
Compression-sided vs tension-sided femoral neck injuries
When surgical review should be considered
Early unloading and weight-bearing decisions
Strength training and progressive rehabilitation
Criteria for introducing plyometrics
Return-to-run progression
Progressing from easy running back to full training
When blood tests should be considered
When to order a DXA scan
Screening for low energy availability and other contributors to bone health

A major focus of the episode is looking beyond the injury itself and asking why the runner developed the bone stress injury in the first place.

Full show notes:
https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/femoral-bone-stress-injuries

Nathan Carlson / Running MateInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningmatekc/Website: https://runningmatekc.com/

Luke Nelson / The Rehab RunwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportschiroluke/Website: https://www.healthhp.com.au/

Femoral Bone Stress Injuries in Runners: Diagnosis, Management & Return to Run | Nathan Carlson

The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room to the Track

Femoral Bone Stress Injuries in Runners: Diagnosis, Management & Return to Run | Nathan Carlson