How long does it take to walk after a broken tibia and fibula?

Aim for full weight bearing 10-12 weeks. Encourage active rehab from 8 weeks +. Work on knee and ankle mobility. Balance and muscle tone are areas that affect longer term disability.

How long before you can walk after breaking tibia and fibula?

Your child's recovery time will depend on the complexity of the break and how soon it was treated. Recovery from a tibia-fibula fracture typically takes about three to six months. Your child may be able to heal faster by resting and not putting too much weight on their leg until the bone has healed.

How long after broken tibia can I walk?

If you had surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can put a little bit of weight on the leg after 6 weeks with the goal of walking normally by the 10th week. If you did not have surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can start walking safely with a knee brace in 4-6 weeks.

How long is rehab for broken tibia?

Tibial Plateau Fracture Rehab: 6-12 months

After six months, non-athletes can return to their ordinary activities. Athletes will, by contrast, begin to implement sports-specific drills, plyometrics, unilateral exercises, and running on the AlterG treadmill for cardiovascular recuperation.

How long does it take to walk after a broken fibula?

Because of this and unlike other types of injuries and conditions, a broken fibula usually requires six weeks to three months before patients are able to return to their normal routine.

How To Walk with a Broken Tibia and Fibula - Dianne's First Time on iWALK2.0

How long before you can put weight on a broken fibula?

"Typically, it's non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing for six weeks," says Dr. Rios. "Most fractures will have some degree of protected weight-bearing for 10-12 weeks, then at least another month to fully rehabilitate."

How painful is a broken tibia and fibula?

Those with tibia and fibula fractures have severe pain at the location of the injury. Often there is a deformity present in the limb or a wound where the bone protrudes through the skin. If the fibula is only fractured, depending on severity, walking may be tolerable but likely very painful if it's at the ankle level.

Do you need physical therapy after broken tibia?

Using an exercise bike while recuperating from a broken leg helps improve your muscle strength and flexibility, increase joint support, reduce your pain level, speed up the healing process. Check with your physical therapist first, as using an exercise bike may not be appropriate for your individual condition.

How do I start walking again after a broken leg?

Properly-fitted crutches or a walker will help you get around during this time. Some types of fractures can heal with weight bearing, but you will likely wear a rigid boot to provide stability for walking. When you are ready to walk unaided, it's important not to overload your bone.

When do you start weight bearing after tibial fracture?

Patients with tibial plateau fractures will be instructed to touch down (toe touch or foot flat) weight bear (approximately 10% of body weight) for at least 6 weeks. After the 6 week post op visit, patients may begin weight bearing as tolerated until full weight bearing is achieved.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

How long should I elevate my leg after tibia surgery?

Prop up the injured arm or leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the first 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling and pain.

How do you strengthen your leg after a broken fibula?

What happens if you walk on a broken leg too soon?

Being off your feet for weeks can be frustrating, but this period of non-weight bearing activity is a crucial part of the recovery process. Walking on a broken ankle too early can prevent it from healing correctly and may make the injury worse.

Is a bone completely healed when a cast comes off?

During this “remodeling”, the body can straighten the fractured bone by laying new bone on the inside edge, and taking away bone on the outside of the angled area. In young children, bones can remodel fairly large angles, healing to appear completely normal within one to two years.

Is a broken tibia serious?

The fracture is horizontal, and the bone can become unstable if the fibula is also broken. The tibia is moved out of place when it breaks. The broken ends of the bone are separated and don't align. This type of fracture is fairly severe and may require surgery for full recovery.

How do you sleep with a broken tibia and fibula?

Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn't work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.

How do you recover from a broken tibia and fibula?

If you fracture your tibia or fibula, you might need ORIF to bring your bones back into place and help them heal. During an “open reduction,” orthopedic surgeons reposition your bone pieces during surgery to put them back into their proper alignment.

Why is a tibia fracture worse than a fibula fracture?

The tibia is much thicker than the fibula. It is the main weight-bearing bone of the two. The fibula supports the tibia and helps stabilize the ankle and lower leg muscles. Tibia and fibula fractures are characterized as either low-energy or high-energy.

Do metal plates and screws need to be removed?

Occasionally a screw is positioned across a joint to help hold that joint in place whilst it heals and it should be removed before moving the joint again to prevent breakage of the metalwork. Infected metalwork should always be removed preferably after the fracture has healed.

Can wearing a walking boot cause pain?

A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons titled Associated Joint Pain With Controlled Ankle Movement Walker Boot Wear showed that many patients experienced pain in the knee, hip, and/or back from the added weight and limb length discrepancy from the CAM boot.

Do you need a boot after a cast?

When the fracture stabilizations, which usually occurs in a matter of weeks, the fiberglass cast is removed and a walking boot may be recommended. Sometimes, a walking boot isn't even needed after wearing a fiberglass cast.

Can you use a knee scooter with a broken tibia?

Because knee scooters require you to rest your lower leg on a padded platform, they may not work for tibia fractures that occur in the upper part of the lower leg.

How can I heal my broken leg faster?