How long does it take to recover from a broken tibia and fibula?

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

It takes around 6 to 8 weeks for a minor fracture to heal. You'll probably need to use crutches or a wheelchair during this time, until it's possible to put weight on the leg again. You'll be shown how to safely use any mobility equipment you're provided with.

How serious 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.

How long till you can walk after broken tibia?

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.

Do you need surgery if you break your 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.

I broke my leg... (Tibia

How do you strengthen your legs after a broken tibia?

Exercises might include aggressive gait training (progressively putting more weight on the injured leg) and lower body strengthing exercises like squats, calve raises, bridges, and leg raises.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

Is a broken tibia serious?

A broken tibia-fibula is a fracture in the lower leg that happens when a fall or blow places more pressure on the bones than they can withstand. A tibia-fibula fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt immediate medical attention. With timely and proper treatment, a broken tibia-fibula can heal completely.

How long does pain last after broken tibia?

Your broken bone (fracture) was put into position and stabilized. You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days after your surgery. But it is normal to have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

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 they fix a broken tibia and fibula?

The surgery is done by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon will make a cut (incision) through the skin and muscle of your leg. He or she will put the pieces of your tibia and fibula back into place (reduction). The pieces of the broken bones will be secured to each other (fixation).

How long is tibia and fibula surgery?

Metal plates and screws are used in children who need surgery to avoid the growth plates and in adults with fractures close to or involving the knee or ankle joints. Surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

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.

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.

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.

Can you walk on a broken fibula after 4 weeks?

It and the tibia, the larger bone, therefore, support all of your weight when standing. 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.

What are the 5 stages of bone healing?

What does bone healing feel like?

The pain may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain. The pain also worsens if pressure is placed on it. As your bone heals, this decreases. If you have a cast placed around the area, you will likely feel almost no pain anymore because the bone is stabilized.

How long is recovery from tibia surgery?

What is the recovery process for a tibia fracture? Recovery time for a tibia fracture typically takes 4-6 months to heal completely. If the fracture is open or comminuted, healing time may take longer. Your doctor will often prescribe medications for pain-relief for a short period of time after the injury or surgery.

Can you break your tibia and still walk?

Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin.

What slows down bone healing?

Smoking and high glucose levels interfere with bone healing. For all patients with fractured bones, immobilization is a critical part of treatment because any movement of bone fragments slows down the initial healing process.

What should you not eat with a broken bone?

What food helps bones heal?

Your body needs plenty of protein to build new collagen for bone healing. Eat lots of protein-rich foods like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals. Leafy green vegetables like collard greens, spinach, broccoli, and kale are high in calcium, another important part of bone repair.

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.