wrapping a reoccuring injury for a race

Our user asked: "Should I wrap a reoccurring leg injury(tibia stress fracture) as a precautionary measure on race day? Understand the associated risks with this and won't run if pain is too much. Have limited my last 6 weeks to deep water running. I want to make sure wrapping isn't counter intuitive."

Ask a PT Response: "I haven't heard of any research which supports the wrapping of the tibia/lower leg to minimize a recurring injury to the tibia. For my patients who have sustained a similar injury as yours I would have them progress their training by having them train in the pool -> elliptical -> treadmill -> indoor track -> outside on level surface (preferably not concrete) -> outside on hard surface. How did your stress fx occur? Often times footwear, poor running mechanics, range of motion deficits, strength deficits, over training, etc. could result in a stress fx. Therefore, all variables should be evaluated and and corrected for, if needed, in order to prevent a recurrence of injury."