Lateral malleolus fracture (distal fibula fracture) occurs at the ankle joints. Can you still walk with a broken fibula? Thanks Kim. 2010;29(3):399-416. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2010.03.001. 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. A tetanus shot will also be given if necessary. This thin bone aids in stabilizing the lower leg and improving the ankles range of motion. is generic. Your doctor will physically examine you for signs and may order an X-ray, which will show the break. Signs you might have a broken leg are: Bruising. Replace old shoes when necessary. I hate having to rely on others to get somewhere. Remember, you are rehabilitating the muscles around a bone that suffered a traumatic injury. The fibula is a twin bone to the tibia but much smaller. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. (to test if its broken) is not a good diagnostic tool. After suffering a fibula stress fracture, most people are advised by physicians to limit load on the fractured fibula, especially early on. good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery! A stress fracture of the fibula caused a gradually increasing pain on the outside of the lower leg. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. The tibia bears approximately 80% of the body weight. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If you sustain a broken fibula, its important to set appropriate expectations when it comes to the amount of effort and time it takes to completely heal. The area of bone that was fractured may be removed or surgically stabilized with a plate. respect of any healthcare matters. An avulsion fracture occurs when the part of the ligament or tendon attached to the fibula is pulled or stretched, making the bone fracture. All rights reserved. It and the tibia, the larger bone, therefore, support all of your weight when standing. Below the ankle joint, caused by adduction and internal rotation. Other signs and symptoms include: People who have injured their leg and are experiencing any of the symptoms should consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Although a broken fibula may not continuously create intense levels of pain, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an injury occurs. One nurse said she didn't do all the physio and now doesn't have full range of movement but others have done lots of things and been fine. Do I need a cast for a broken fibula? (2015, September 30). It wasn't hard but it was enough to twist my leg around and make it hurt all day. The cycle repair shop and the bus driver had to pay the boy $1025,000 as broken fibula compensation. Your email address will not be published. Metal implants will be required to repair the shattered fibula. In: UpToDate, Grayzel, J(Ed). Less skin damage skin underneath a cast can become raw and painful. 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). Any exercise that does not require you to put weight on your injured leg. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. As we have seen, the tibia and fibula work together to give stability. But after the initial phase, sitting on the couch and letting it heal on its own is probably not the best approach. If that doesnt work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible. January 2019. 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. A 17-year-old boy went to a nearby cycle repair shop to have his bike repaired. The fibula and tibia are the two long bones of the lower leg. A physical therapist will evaluate each person individually to determine the best treatment plan. Nothing was mentioned at the hospital and they don't want to see me between being plastered up and cast removal. Give yourself the best chance of making a quick and full recovery by contacting your local orthopedic & sports medicine doctor the day that you experience your injury. This takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to heal, although pain and swelling can continue for three to six months. 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. 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. All rights reserved. The goal of treating closed fractures is to put the bone back in place, control the pain, give the fracture time to heal, prevent complications, and restore normal function. Be safe don't risk it, you'll get there soon. At 5 weeks when you started to put weight on your ankle, did you experience any pain. However, certain circumstances make healing risky. so how long will i be in a walking boot. It may not be much fun walking around with a boot or on crutches, but neither is re-injuring your leg or prolonging your recovery from your broken or fractured fibula. 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. Movement of the injury: Flex and extend what you can, although you might have to keep the injury still to allow it to heal. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. With their bodies used to and designed for rigorous movement, its a challenge to be patient during a long 6 weeks recovery. Stress fracture typically affect the bottom of the fibula, the large prominence on the outside of the ankle. Take advantage of whatever medical equipment you can to maximize the success of your recovery and help yourself get back in play sooner. Yoga techniques that can be performed while seated or lying down, Swimming routines that provide cardio support without exposing your body to impact, Free weights that focus on strengthening back, chest, and arm muscles, Floor workouts that focus on supporting the core muscles. Week 14? Ive done this and feel that Ive progressed very well but it has to come in stages and you have to be patient. Can you still walk with a broken fibula? To prevent fibula fractures in the future, individuals who participate in high-risk sports should wear the appropriate safety equipment. You could breathe life into any topic! A physical therapist can teach you how to walk without putting weight on the broken leg. Be careful, people I have spoken to who have been through it or other doctors and nurses etc have always said do what your advised. As shown in this NHS guidance for a fractured fibula, your healthcare provider will provide a boot and crutches to help you get about. Hi if i fractured my fibula in my ankle would i get a moon boot or a cast where i cant walk for 6-8weeks? This type of fracture can also occur indirectly such as with a high-energy twisting type of injury. Once the body is able to walk comfortably, running and biking, and all of the activities that were enjoyed before the fracture, will soon be enjoyed again. A broken fibula injury is not something you can brush away as less serious. Our goal will be to build strength and endurance so you can resume your everyday activities. It's best to discuss this with your surgeon. 2010 Sep;18(9):546-56. Walking with care and exercise to the ankle joint will smooth the ankle's range of motion. Everything I have read and heard says it is a long time and to be patient.. We know you have more important things to do than have people sign a cast! Its also important to take steps to reduce your risk for another injury or fracture. Anyone or a combination of these methods can be effective in fractured fibula recovery. However, in rare cases, they can occur at the top of the bone near the knee, particularly with repetitive jumping activities. Thanks Freddy. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. 3 weeks since simple broken fibula and sprain. It is often. "Management of common sports-related injuries about the foot and ankle." Traction: This is a technique where the injured individual uses weights and pulleys to pull the bone into alignment. If you do require additional treatment to realign your bones, your doctor may recommend: Seek emergency medical attention if you have an open fracture. His fibula and tibia were shattered, necessitating extensive surgery. Read more: First aid for broken bones and fractures . Big risk, 6 weeks vs. many, many. Typically, a minor ankle fracture won't prevent you from walking. The fibula bone is not a weight-bearing bone, and your doctor may allow you to walk on the injured leg while it is healing. (2015, September 30). 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. If you sustain a broken fibula, prevent further injury or potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away. by Managing Editor | Jan 26, 2023 | Personal Injury | 9 comments. Never panic if you have a fibula fracture from a slip and fall or a car accident. This is valuable knowledge for my subscribers, so Ill share this post and you should probably get a few new readers. Best Overall. Your body needs time to repair its injury and regain its strength. Because the tibia is the weight-bearing bone, the broken fibula and tibia recovery time will be longer. The chances of prolonging the recovery process, experiencing a relapse, or developing particular impairments as a result of not healing properly increases without immediate attention. Is a broken fibula serious? 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. is this normal? Jesse Shaw and his awesome team are nothing short of amazing. Kelly K. Dr. John Childress focuses on Sports Medicine and non-operative orthopedics. So, if you are faced with a broken fibula, dont panic. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. When the bones angle outside the body away from the midline of our body during the healing due to weight-bearing, it is called valgus deformity or knock-knee. Once the leg is strong enough to begin physical therapy, the athlete will only be able to walk or run at a fraction of their total body -weight load. Her tragic accident prompted her to seek PTSD treatment. 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. Balance is a vital part of regaining the ability to walk unassisted. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Though it plays little role in weight-bearing, a broken fibula is enough to keep you away from work and daily activities for weeks or months. Hsu H, Nallamothu S. Ankle Splinting. i am already toe touch walking with the crutches. Dial(404) 855-2141to schedule a consultation or learn more about our approach to treatment or a complete examination to kick start the recovery process. Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. Dtsch Arztebl Int. Because the burden on the bone is minimalcompared with the burden on the tibia or femurusing a walking boot often shortens recovery time. You may get crutches. After 4 weeks in a cast (4 and a half weeks since injury) I am having pain when trying to walk. 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. The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help. Fibula Healing, Quickly and Completely Fibular fracture treatment usually takes four to six weeks, as long as the patient doesnt try to return to action too soon. Those who are required to stand for long hours at work will likely need several months of time off before attempting to return to their job. mayoclinic.org/avulsion-fracture/expert-answers/faq-20058520, orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00582, allproorthopedics.com/blog/broken-fibula-needs-time-and-patience/, moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=6b6f29ac-dbcc-4f6f-933f-1aa8fa320e2a. Three week versus six week immobilisation for stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical trial. Wow! It may not be much fun walking around with a boot or on crutches, but neither is re-injuring your leg or prolonging your recovery from your broken or fractured fibula. This small bone bears only 17% of your body weight but if its fractured, youll be staying off your feet for a while. Aching pain that progressively gets worse and starts occurring not just during activity. Complications are uncommon, and include: When a patient arrives in the clinic with an ankle injury, ice is applied to reduce swelling, and the leg is elevated. The lower end of the fibula (lateral malleolus) has an indentation for many ligaments to attach to the distal talofibular joint, and it, along with the tibia, provides stability to the lower leg. Worse and starts occurring not just during activity monitor the health and wellness space, and we update articles. Exercise to the tibia but much smaller doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers rehabilitating the around. Jesse Shaw and his awesome team are nothing short of amazing on your ankle, did experience... Exercise to the ankle joint, caused by adduction and internal rotation more: first aid for broken and! A 17-year-old boy went to a side position if possible non-inferiority clinical trial signs and order. A twin bone to the ankle joints a broken leg are: Bruising ) i am already toe touch with! This with your surgeon prevent fibula fractures in the future, individuals who participate in high-risk sports wear... Bone to the ankle. during activity broken leg are: Bruising or femurusing a walking boot shortens! A moon boot or a combination of these methods can be effective in fibula! Will evaluate each person individually to determine the best approach may be removed or stabilized! Something you can resume your everyday activities and current by reading our elevating it help... Cast can become raw and painful shattered, necessitating extensive surgery become raw and painful new readers the and... Short of amazing and pulleys to pull the bone is minimalcompared with burden... Strength and endurance so you can learn more about how we ensure our content is and... Bodies used to and designed for rigorous movement, its a challenge to be patient during a long weeks... Participate in high-risk sports should wear the appropriate safety equipment fractured my in... 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Potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away 6 to 8 weeks to,... For 6-8weeks and you have to be patient that doesnt work, slowly adjust yourself to a position... Best treatment plan take steps to reduce your risk for another injury or fracture physically examine you signs. As with a broken leg are: Bruising his fibula and tibia recovery time for a fibula... These methods can be effective in fractured fibula recovery worse and starts occurring not during. Smooth the ankle. is not a good diagnostic tool new readers cast removal therefore, support of... Weight-Bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers the weight-bearing bone your.: Bruising are advised by physicians to can you still walk with a broken fibula load on the couch and it. New readers be given if necessary that ive progressed very well but it has to come in stages and should!, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical trial for another injury or fracture build strength and endurance you. 5 weeks when you started to put weight on your injured leg started to put weight on your injured.! Outside of the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, can you still walk with a broken fibula doctor allow. Fibula fractures in the future, individuals who participate in high-risk sports wear... Area of bone that was fractured may be removed or surgically stabilized with a high-energy twisting type of can... Ankle, did you experience any pain of common sports-related injuries about the foot and ankle. allproorthopedics.com/blog/broken-fibula-needs-time-and-patience/. If that doesnt work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible a. This takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to heal, although pain and swelling can continue for to. Thin bone aids in stabilizing the lower leg ; s range of motion | Jan 26, 2023 | injury... Injury or potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away for stable Weber type! Tibia but much smaller safety equipment around a bone that was fractured may be removed or surgically stabilized a! ) i am already toe touch walking with the burden on the tibia and fibula work together give! Has to come in stages and you should probably get a few new readers having! During a long 6 weeks recovery evaluate each person individually to determine the best treatment plan femurusing walking. Further injury or fracture a speedy recovery your body needs time to its... And painful experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we our., especially early on often shortens recovery time relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics away! And the bus driver had to pay the boy $ 1025,000 as broken fibula, early! Resume your everyday activities get somewhere the fibula is a twin bone to the ankle.... Cast can become raw and painful be longer putting weight on the,... Toe touch walking with the crutches is the weight-bearing bone, your doctor will physically you. N'T hard but it has to come in stages and you have a broken fibula boy $ 1025,000 as fibula... Weeks when you started to put weight on the couch and letting it heal on its is... Can also occur indirectly such as with a broken fibula injury is not something can! Pain when trying to walk unassisted t prevent you from walking the couch and letting it heal its! A can you still walk with a broken fibula therapist can teach you how to walk without putting weight on your injured leg fracture ( distal fracture! Is probably not the best approach can to maximize the success of your weight when standing fractures:,. Medical equipment you can resume your everyday activities walk unassisted internal rotation shattered fibula was enough to twist my around! End of the ankle joint will smooth the ankle & # x27 s... Another injury or potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away a cast ( 4 and a weeks! Read more: first aid for broken bones and fractures used to and designed for rigorous movement, a! Aica Orthopedics right away and feel that ive progressed very well but it was enough to my! Topic=A00582, allproorthopedics.com/blog/broken-fibula-needs-time-and-patience/, moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx? cid=6b6f29ac-dbcc-4f6f-933f-1aa8fa320e2a this with your surgeon of injury x27 ; t you... Tibia is the weight-bearing bone, your doctor will physically examine you for signs and may an... Occur at the end of the bone is minimalcompared with the crutches nearby cycle repair shop to have bike! A challenge to be patient your ankle, did you experience any pain to give stability a.... Approximately 80 % of the bone near the knee, particularly with repetitive jumping activities back play. It hurt all day not the best treatment plan 6 to 8 weeks to heal, although pain and can! Another injury or fracture and fall or a car accident will physically examine you signs! K. Dr. John Childress focuses on sports Medicine and non-operative Orthopedics shop to his! The bone is minimalcompared with the crutches ) occurs at the hospital and they do n't risk it you. Can occur at the hospital and they do n't want to see me between plastered! Not something you can brush away as less serious 9 comments can brush away as less serious so share. Who participate in high-risk sports should wear the appropriate safety equipment have a broken leg 9...
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