Relative deficiency in sport (REDS) and low energy availability are can be screened for by a physical therapist but ultimately the diagnosis is made by a physician and a dietitian. LEA can become REDs and is a serious contributor to bone stress injuries (BSI), running injuries, fatigue and decreased or impaired performance.
LEA can affect both male and female athletes, but research suggests it is more common in female athletes. We also know that the female body appears to be more sensitive to the effects of LEA, particularly when it comes to hormonal health and bone metabolism. SIgns and symptoms in females and males can be different.
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I wish I could tell runners that every bone stress injury follows the same timeline. It would certainly make things easier. The reality is that a return-to-running program for a tibial bone stress injury may look very different than a return-to-running program for a navicular stress fracture. Add in factors such as energy availability, hormonal health, breastfeeding, strength deficits, or a history of recurrent bone stress injuries, and the picture becomes even more individua
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