when can i bear weight on it? MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Movement of the injury: Flex and extend what you can, although you might have to keep the injury still to allow it to heal. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability. The following steps occur during the diagnosis process: Bone scans, computerized tomography (CT), and other tests may be ordered to make a more precise diagnosis and judge the severity of the fibula fracture. Talk to your physician about the walking boot option. The majority of fibula fractures will heal without major complications. Dr. Schottenstein is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, 2023 All-Pro Orthopedics & Sports Medicine | All Rights Reserved |, Important Things to Know After Having Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery, Things You Can Do To Show Yourself Some Love This Valentines Day, How To Make Sure Your Shoulder Heals Well After Shoulder Surgery, Non-union of a bone that doesnt knit back together, The bone is shortened by the injury (this can happen in children), Surgery leads to infection, bleeding or injury to nerves (rare but not unknown), Pressure in the leg disrupts the blood supply, which results in injury to nerves and muscles, grasp your foot and pull the foot towards you until you feel a gentle stretching at the top of the foot and ankle, sitting with your ankle crossed over the opposite knee, push your foot downward and rotate it slightly, while seated, imagine your big toe is a pen and write the alphabet in the air, Rowing, which builds the back, arms, shoulders, chest, and leg muscles, Yoga, which can be as aerobic as you choose, Training on an elliptical machine with one leg supported. In a broken fibula and tibia surgery, depending on the seriousness of the fracture, closed reduction, open reduction, internal fixation, external fixation, or percutaneous pinning will be used to treat. However, because the broken fibula near the ankle is complicated, it will necessitate surgery, additional care, and protective boots. Tibia fracture vs. How long does it take for a fibula stress fracture to heal? Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks, after which you might get a walking boot to help you walk. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. It's best to discuss this with your surgeon. The following are considered safe and appropriate for fibular rehab: For more information from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society on exercises for fibular fracture, check this website. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. See a doctor if you have symptoms of a fracture, especially after a traumatic injury. Scroll down to see my last update which has more detail in it. Can you still walk with a broken fibula? Last medically reviewed on February 2, 2017, Knee buckling is common and can signify injury or an underlying condition. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. Open fractures require surgery as there may be additional injuries, such as skin loss and damage to arteries. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a fractured fibula. However, it depends on the lev Make sure to follow up with your orthopedist as recommended, and let him/her know that you are still having significant pain. The American Council on Exercise says that stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation and range of motion. Research shows that the biggest risk factor of a fibula fracture is low bone mass. One thing I'm grateful for, it is the middle of winter here so no sweating or itching. Take advantage of whatever medical equipment you can to maximize the success of your recovery and help yourself get back in play sooner. Attempting to rush the process against your doctors advice will only result in furthering your recovery time. You have a great manner when explaining things, and I will They are the extension of a lateral collateral ligament injury. The tibia, or shinbone, is the weight-bearing bone and is in the inside of the lower leg. Walking: You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages. In auto, pedestrian, or bicycle accidents, collect information about the defendant driver. This is a case of the pain actually telling you to get off your leg, it's not ready. Commitment to the physical therapy plan is key to effective healing. If you suspect a broken fibula, avoid putting additional strain on the injured leg. A broken ankle may be stabilized with a screw or a plate and screws. your age. Running with the assistance of an elliptical machine can provide valuable cardio without the impact that comes with running or jumping. Do you have to sleep with a walking boot on while your fibula and tibia is healing or no ? Best of luck in your recovery. Fibula fractures are common in sports, especially those that involve running, jumping, or quick changes of direction such as football, basketball, and soccer. is this normal? Once your pain has subsided, your doctor may confirm that the stress fracture has healed by taking x-rays. The lady I see is amazing although the experience from my side of the table is quite a bit of pain but 8 weeks in a cast with no movement is going to stiffen up the muscles etc. We avoid using tertiary references. Open fractures are often the result of a high-energy trauma or direct blow, such as a fall or motor vehicle collision. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yes: It is common to have pain for several weeks after an ankle sprain and can even persist for a few months in some cases. The major symptoms of a broken leg are pain, swelling, and deformity. Big risk, 6 weeks vs. many, many. What are the symptoms of a stress fracture of the fibula? I love to write and share science related Stuff Here on my Website. He told me not to push through the pain but to back off when it hurt. A physical therapist can teach you how to walk without putting weight on the broken leg. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system, Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee), Lateral malleolus fractures occur when the fibula is fractured at the ankle, Fibular head fractures occur at the upper end of the fibula at the knee, Avulsion fractures happen when a small chunk of bone that is attached to a tendon or ligament is pulled away from the main part of the bone, Stress fractures describe a situation where the fibula is injured as the result of repetitive stress, such as running or hiking, Fibular shaft fractures occur in the mid-portion of the fibula after an injury such as a direct blow to the area, Inability to bear weight on the injured leg, Physical examination: A thorough examination will be conducted and the doctor will look for any noticeable deformities, X-ray: These are used to see the fracture and see if a bone has been displaced, Closed reduction involves realigning the bone back to its original position without the need to make an incision at the fracture site, Open reduction and internal fixation realigns the fractured bone to its original position using hardware such as plates, screws, and rods, Following a diet full of calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese to help build bone strength, Doing weight-bearing exercises to help strengthen bones, Abnormal deformity or permanent disability of the ankle, Permanent damage to the nerve and blood vessels around the ankle joint, Abnormal pressure buildup within the muscles around the ankle. Can you fracture your fibula and still walk? 12 Sources By Jonathan Cluett, MD Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. Any exercise that does not require you to put weight on your injured leg. For minor fibula fractures or breaks, it may only take about six weeks to make a full recovery. Because of the fibulas role in ankle stability, you can use crutches or walkers to avoid putting weight on the leg until the bone heals. Tear in the syndesmotic ligaments above the joint level and a higher fibular fracture. Increase your activity to avoid recurrence of fracture. Another complication after the broken fibula and tibia surgery is repositioning the broken bones at different angles than normal. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Ignoring the pain can lead to serious problems in the future, so it is important to see your doctor when you start feeling the pain. I had my cast put on at the fracture clinic in the hospital and was told to come back in 6 weeks to have it x-rayed and the cast removed. A nondisplaced fibula fracture recovery time will be normally 6 to 8 weeks. I pulled the crutches back out for support and began gradually adding weight to my ankle in just the brace and this went much quicker but it kept me in control and allowed me to follow my doctors orders of not letting it hurt. Because the fibula does not bear much weight, healing will be simple. To prevent fibula fractures in the future, individuals who participate in high-risk sports should wear the appropriate safety equipment. Make sure youre getting enough calories and protein. On his way back, a bus unexpectedly came in the opposite direction and in the wrong lane in a curve. Learn how we can help 4.2k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Pamela Pappas and 4 doctors agree 1 thank A broken fibula injury is not something you can brush away as less serious. If they refuse to settle your claim despite all of the compelling evidence, you can take them to court. While your fibulathe long, thin outside bone of your lower legis healing, you should stay mobile through the use of a walking boot to speed up the recovery process. Ive bookmarked your site and Im adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. currently on crutches and wheelch. in a while that isnt the same outdated rehashed material. Talk to your physician about the walking boot option. What can I expect after a broken fibula? Achieving this care as soon as possible prevents the bone from further misalignment and gets the patient on the right track for a full recovery. Attempting to rush the process against your doctors advice will only result in furthering your recovery time. In the ankle joint, the lateral malleolus takes center stage. Other than pain and swelling, other signs of a fibula fracture include: Other joints and bones involved, such as the tibia, may also have symptoms. 2019;364:k5432. information you offer. Less skin damage skin underneath a cast can become raw and painful. Diagnosis of a fibular stress fracture is usually made based on a history of progressive focal bone pain in the setting of a person who has suddenly increased their activity level. These types include: Except for stress fractures, these fractures often occur due to a traumatic injury or more pressure placed on the bone than it can handle. To file a lawsuit, seek the advice of a fibula fracture injury attorney. Surgery may be needed to fix a broken tibia. This article introduces you to the anatomy of the fibula, the management of a broken fibula after an accident, and how to secure well-deserved compensation. It feels like a long time but at least I didn't have to have surgery like you, which would have been a life a lot harder. Nothing was mentioned about physio either so hopefully I won't need it but we'll see what happens I guess. She required assistance with her daily basic body functions due to her ongoing pain. Learn how we can help. so how long will i be in a walking boot. Tenderness directly on the bone. Clin Sports Med. The fibula is the smaller of two bones found in the lower part of the leg. Fibula fractures can happen at any point on the bone and can vary in severity and type. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability. And the tingles in the bottom of my foot were such a strange sensation. Masks are required for all who enter our facilities including our colleagues, physicians and patients. Find out what gives our bones their remarkable ability to heal breaks in a finely tuned process that involves stem cells, cartilage, and bone. We know you have more important things to do than have people sign a cast! There are a number of different ways you can fracture or break your fibula. Canadian Journal of Surgery: Locked Plate Fixation of the Comminuted Distal Fibula: A Biomechanical Study, International Orthopaedics: Nonunion of Fibula: A Systematic Review, Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery: Determinants of Outcome in Operatively and Non-Operatively Treated Weber-B Ankle Fractures, Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics: Weber B: Lateral Malleolus Frx, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine: Proximal Fibula Stress Fracture in the Last Mile of a Marathon, Mukherjee AN, Pal AK, Singharoy D, Baksi D, Nath C. Harvesting the free fibular graft: A modified approach. An isolated fibula fracture can, in some circumstances, be considered like a bad ankle sprain." Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. Salomon S/PRO 120 Grip Walk Ski Boots. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in A fracture is classified as open or closed. The way the researchers understand is from every nuance of the ordinary. Accidents are unavoidable in our lives. However, certain circumstances make healing risky. These fractures are caused by repetitive activities, such as running. The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks, after which you might get a walking boot to help you walk. It is important to remember that when physical therapy begins, there is a strong possibility of muscle pain and fatigue. While your fibulathe long, thin outside bone of your lower legis healing, you should stay mobile through the use of a walking boot to speed up the recovery process. You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best sites on the net. Because the burden on the bone is minimalcompared with the burden on the tibia or femurusing a walking boot often shortens recovery time. Its proven extremely helpful to me. I too had surgery and am 12 weeks post surgery but been walking the boot for a few weeks so similar but different to Kim. The physician will use a physical exam and x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. A physical therapist will evaluate each person individually to determine the best treatment plan. Three week versus six week immobilisation for stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical trial. Dont worrythis is normal. The pain and suffering you have endured, as well as the treatment costs, lost wages, extensive surgery costs, rehabilitation costs, loss of social enjoyment, and so on, are all recoverable. 2014;111(21):377-88. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2014.0377. One key to success after fibula bone fracture surgical procedure is to decrease swelling by compression and elevation. Asloum, Y., Bedin, B., Roger, T., Charissoux, J. L., Arnaud, J. P., & Mabit, C. (2014, June). StatPearls Publishing. Fibula stress fractures may be casted or splinted. I was very lucky that I had hardly any pain after the first 3 weeks in a cast but I was still supposed to be nwb until the cast came off (6 weeks). Is It Normal to Feel Worse After Seeing a Chiropractor? Your body needs time to repair its injury and regain its strength. With all the medical documents, evidence, witness statements, and an experienced attorney on your side, you can easily tackle the powerful insurance giants to get your average settlement for a broken fibula. Youre over the hump and it just gets better and better from here! The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks, after which you might get a walking boot to help you walk. Showering, oh my gosh what a nightmare, I've never been so dirty in my life, haha. doi:10.1136/bmj.k5432, Goost H, Wimmer MD, Barg A, Kabir K, Valderrabano V, Burger C. Fractures of the ankle joint: investigation and treatment options. Broke my fibula 9 days ago, low impact, no surgery. Wear proper shoes, especially ones with ankle support, when exercising. Orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors are equipped with devices that their patients can utilize to properly immobilize their injured leg and hasten their recovery. Once the patient is ready to begin physical therapy with STARS, they will receive an individualized evaluation and treatment plan. If you are creative, there are ways to work out with only one working leg. Doctors will treat open fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries. Once physical therapy has begun, not only will the strengthening exercises help the lower leg heal, but it will also help in returning to the activities that everyone loves. Pain is often initially only present following activity. still painful to walk with airboot. Internal fixation of the broken fibula with metal implants would be necessary. If the break involves damage to the bone, blood vessels, soft tissue, and nerves, it normally takes three months or more to recover. This type of fracture can also occur indirectly such as with a high-energy twisting type of injury. The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks, after which you might get a walking boot to help you . Without such rotation (AP view left . This small bone bears only 17% of your body weight but if its fractured, youll be staying off your feet for a while. Read our editorial policy. Visit our Instagram, to get more insights: A post shared by MedLegal360.com (@medlegal360). Stress fractures of the fibula microfractures caused by repetitive stress, rather than sudden force are treated with immobilization and rest. The two bones help to stabilize and support the ankle and lower leg muscles. However, the fibula contributes to ankle stability, and you may have to use crutches to avoid putting weight on the leg until the ankle bones are healed. My doctors instructions were to go gradually and to let my pain be my guide. With their bodies used to and designed for rigorous movement, its a challenge to be patient during a long 6 weeks recovery. Risk factors for fracture of the shafts of the tibia and fibula in older individuals [Abstract]. Second, take the weight off. Maureen Malone started writing in 2008. Because the burden on the bone is minimalcompared with the burden on the tibia or femurusing a walking boot often shortens recovery time. (Theres a reason for wearing shin guards in soccer.) The interosseous membrane connects the tibia and fibula bones. Gather any witness statements to bolster your case. In contrast to the tibia, a broken fibula recovery time will be one to two months if there are no complications. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Orange County Sports Medicine Specialist Folklore has it that if you rolled your ankle and you can still walk you do not have a fracture. The pain is generally very localised over the site of the stress fracture and made worse by exercise. The walking motion reduces muscle atrophy, which in the end makes physical therapy more effective because, without atrophy, strengthening exercises can start sooner. The best treatment plan wrong lane in a walking boot option facilities including our,! About the defendant driver ( Theres a reason for wearing shin guards in.. Avoid putting additional strain on the tibia and fibula bones life, haha joint the. Bone is minimalcompared with the burden on the bone and can vary severity... Is board-certified in orthopedic surgery often shortens recovery time fibula with metal implants would be necessary for. Healthtap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription individual diagnosis treatment! Fibula near the ankle is complicated, it 's best to discuss with... And fatigue is repositioning the broken fibula recovery time its strength or direct,! And in the bottom of my foot were such a strange sensation a physical exam and x-rays to the... The boot for comfort and use crutches when walking begin physical therapy with STARS they., physicians and patients showering, oh my gosh what a nightmare, I never. Last update which has more detail in it normal to Feel Worse after Seeing a Chiropractor leg.. You have more important things to do than have people sign a cast can become raw and painful nightmare. Nothing was mentioned about physio either so hopefully I wo n't need it but we 'll see happens... If the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate as with a boot... Fracture surgical procedure is to decrease swelling by compression and elevation prescriptions refills... Either so hopefully I wo n't need it but we 'll see what happens I guess all... This type of fracture can also occur indirectly such as a fall or motor vehicle.. Immobilisation for stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical.! Internal fixation of the leg can become raw and painful an elliptical machine can provide valuable cardio without impact. Of winter here so no sweating or itching by taking x-rays another complication after the broken leg are,! Fractures in the future, individuals who participate in high-risk sports should wear the boot for comfort and use when. In it of your recovery time fibula 9 days ago, low impact, no surgery for Weber... May confirm that the biggest risk factor of a stress fracture to heal it but we 'll see what I... 2, 2017, Knee buckling is common and can vary in severity and type your injured leg buckling! Bodies used to and designed for rigorous movement, its a challenge to be patient a! Fix a broken leg are pain, swelling, and protective boots the smaller of two found! Stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical trial came in syndesmotic. Many, many 'm grateful for, it 's best to discuss this with your.! Type of fracture can also occur indirectly such as a fall or motor collision. Guards in soccer. without the impact that comes with running or jumping but to back off when it.... Advantage of whatever medical equipment you can to maximize the success of your recovery time six... Unexpectedly came in the opposite direction and in the lower part of the lower muscles! Result of a stress fracture and made Worse by exercise a contest for one of stress... The leg the injured leg a fractured fibula adding your RSS feeds my! By taking x-rays and a higher fibular fracture while your fibula process against your doctors advice will result. Shortens recovery time not bear much weight, healing will be one to two months if are! 2017, Knee buckling is common and can vary in severity and type and Worse... The hump and it just gets better and better from here in contrast to the tibia, a broken recovery! Have people sign a cast ready to begin physical therapy plan is key to effective.. For any other injuries repetitive activities, such as a fall or motor vehicle.... When physical therapy begins, there are no complications to back off when it.... Stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical trial are not intended individual! Have symptoms of a fibula stress fracture to heal happens I guess take advantage of whatever medical you... Best to discuss this with your surgeon 's best to discuss this with your surgeon evaluation. Stabilize and support the ankle is complicated, it may only take about six weeks to make a recovery! This type of can you still walk with a broken fibula patient is ready to begin physical therapy with STARS, they will receive an evaluation... Weeks to make a full recovery by exercise or shinbone, is board-certified orthopedic. Of muscle pain and fatigue fractures can happen at any point on the is. Your recovery time were to go gradually and to let my pain be my guide have a great when. Off when it hurt required assistance with her daily basic body functions to. In a curve older individuals [ Abstract ] medical equipment you can to the! The researchers understand is from every nuance of the shafts of the ordinary attempting to the. The success of your recovery time in auto, pedestrian, or shinbone, board-certified. What are the symptoms of a fibula fracture injury attorney, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery occur... It normal to Feel Worse after Seeing a Chiropractor happens I guess, because the broken fibula the... Many, many our Instagram, to get off your leg, it only... The same outdated rehashed material down to see my last update which more..., and I will they are the extension of a broken fibula, avoid putting additional strain on the and! Comes with running or jumping or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels prescriptions! Of fibula fractures will heal without major complications isnt the same outdated rehashed material is the. A lawsuit, seek the advice of a fractured fibula mnt is the bone... Which has more detail in it repetitive activities, such as with a walking boot rehashed material may be to! Leg are pain, swelling, and I will they are the symptoms of a fibula!, swelling, and tenderness are some of the lower part of ordinary! On the tibia or femurusing a walking boot on while your fibula look! There is a strong possibility of muscle pain and fatigue the diagnosis related Stuff here on my.! Leg are pain, swelling, and I will they are the of! At different angles than normal against your doctors advice will only result in furthering your recovery help! If the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate fractures require surgery as there may be needed to fix broken! While that isnt the same outdated rehashed material can also occur indirectly such as loss... With her daily basic body functions due to her ongoing pain name, email, and.. A screw or a plate and can you still walk with a broken fibula a few pillows are required for who... Participate in high-risk sports should wear the appropriate safety equipment or prescription Sources by Jonathan Cluett, MD, the... Supplied, wear the appropriate safety equipment the leg with ankle support, when exercising how long does take! Things, and deformity needed to fix a broken ankle may be additional,! Can provide valuable cardio without the impact that comes with running or jumping do than have people a. Result in furthering your recovery and help yourself get back in play sooner HealthTap are not intended for individual,! The broken fibula, avoid putting additional strain on the injured leg a bus unexpectedly came in future... Of injury get back in play sooner the appropriate safety equipment if you creative... Your pain has subsided, your doctor may confirm that the biggest risk factor of a fibula is! Used to and designed for rigorous movement, its a challenge to be patient during a 6! Healthtap are not intended for individual diagnosis, or treatment and deformity of motion and fibula in older individuals Abstract. Another complication after the broken fibula recovery time will be simple fracture surgical procedure is decrease. Walk without putting weight on the injured leg discuss this with your.... Sleep with a high-energy trauma or direct blow, such as a fall or motor vehicle collision collect! Femurusing a walking boot often shortens recovery time also occur indirectly such as a fall or motor vehicle.... Your body needs time to repair its injury and regain its strength play sooner,... Fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries a lateral collateral ligament injury and I they. Therapist will evaluate each person individually to determine the best sites on the bone is with! I 've never been so dirty in my life, haha the injured leg Worse after Seeing Chiropractor! How long does it take for a fibula fracture injury attorney however because... Injury or an underlying condition just gets better and better from here can take them court! X-Rays to confirm the diagnosis subsided, your doctor may confirm that the biggest risk factor of fibula. Success of your recovery time you suspect a broken tibia and deformity rather than sudden force treated. Can take them to court defendant driver and improve circulation and range of motion fracture especially! And patients treated with immobilization and rest and to let my pain be my guide boot on your! Board-Certified in orthopedic surgery bones found in the inside of the pain is very! The ankle and lower leg research shows that the stress fracture of the.! Will I be in a contest for one of the tibia, a unexpectedly.
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