Light Therapy in the Treatment of Leg Pain (MilCAM)

The purpose of this study is to apply Anodyne therapy to active duty soldiers, who have shin splints, to evaluate healing time and effectiveness.

Tibial stress reactions and fractures are often difficult to treat, and therefore, many soldiers proceed to a medical disability/discharge. It is felt that with the use of the MIRE technology, active duty soldiers with tibial stress reactions and fractures will heal more quickly and completely. All soldiers will have a documented bone scintigraph as evidence for tibial stress reaction or fracture prior to enrollment. In addition, pain-pressure goniometric measures and time to complete the Balke protocol will also be used to assess healing with the MIRE technology. Comparison: Soldiers with Active MIRE technology, compared to soldiers with Placebo MIRE technology.

Intervention: The use of infrared light therapy for the treatment of tibial fracture. The treatment was assigned three times a week for four weeks.

Subjects randomized to the intervention group (Monochromatic Near-Infrared Light Energy), received treatment three times a week for a total of four weeks.

Numeric scale based on pain level (1-10). The higher the numeric value, the higher the pain level, as perceived by the participant.

Inclusion Criteria: Active duty soldier Exertional leg pain of greater than 3 months duration Documented bone scintigraphic evidence for tibial stress reaction or fracture Exclusion Criteria: Known leg Pathology other than stress reaction or fracture Service members known to be leaving area within next 6 months Pregnant females High risk cardiopulmonary patients Patients with assisted walking devices Patients with two or more cardiac risk factors