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. 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. If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. Never make any statements to the other party or their insurance company. 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. Depending on the severity of the break and the complexity of the surgery that time could be even longer. 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. 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. As we have seen, the tibia and fibula work together to give stability. Although the fibula is considered a weight-bearing bone, it bears only 17% of your total body weight when upright. Also known as a tib fib fracture, the injury is usually caused by severe trauma resulting from car crashes, sports injuries or falls. Within a few weeks to several months, most patients make a full recovery and can continue their normal activities. In most cases, the answer is no. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Many people are given exercises that they can do at home to further help with the healing process. The walking motion reduces muscle atrophy, which in the end makes physical therapy more effective because, without atrophy, strengthening exercises can start sooner. I make sure I put my brace on if I leave the house or when Im doing bigger stuff at home like chores. Having had one fracture can increase your risk for another. An avulsion fracture occurs when the part of the ligament or tendon attached to the fibula is pulled or stretched, making the bone fracture. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 4 1/2 weeks after broken fibula and sprained ankle. 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. Ive done this and feel that Ive progressed very well but it has to come in stages and you have to be patient. It makes the ankle movements more fluid. Because the tibia bears the majority of the weight of the human body, the fibula is used as a bone donor site for bone grafts in other parts of the body when needed. Last medically reviewed on April 4, 2017. Read more: First aid for broken bones and fractures . Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Common symptoms of a fibula fracture. If the broken ends are close to their proper position, an orthopedic doctor uses her hands to realign the broken ends of your fibula bone to allow it to grow back together. Patients with this condition typically experience a localized pain in the outer lower leg that increases with weight bearing activity. You could breathe life into any topic! Traction: This is a technique where the injured individual uses weights and pulleys to pull the bone into alignment. Ankle sprains and minor blows to the ankle can result in broken fibulas. There are many different types of fractures. Crutches are often used to reduce pain with walking for 1 to 2 weeks until you are able to bear full weight on your leg. What are the symptoms of a stress fracture of the fibula? It takes time. Apply ice and take pain medications to control symptoms. Wear proper shoes, especially ones with ankle support, when exercising. bearing will be determined by what was done at, Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis and 3 doctors agree. A tetanus shot will also be given if necessary. Fractures and breaks refer to the same condition. Best of luck in your recovery. We avoid using tertiary references. Good post people need to see more like this, because most info about this topic Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. It's best to discuss this with your surgeon. Talk to your physician about the walking boot option. If someone elses negligence caused your injury, you have every right to file a lawsuit against the defendant. This is most inspired piece I have found, when everyone 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. Can you fracture your fibula and still walk? Can you still walk with a broken tibia? What is glucocorticoid replacement therapy? In auto, pedestrian, or bicycle accidents, collect information about the defendant driver. As this does not need an incision, it is called a closed reduction. i am already toe touch walking with the crutches. Obviously I can't say for sure as I am not a doctor but most of what I have read and heard suggests you will have an air boot. Tibia fracture vs. A stress fracture of the fibula is characterised by increasing shin pain developing over a period of weeks. During surgery, your doctor may use internal or external methods for fixing your fracture. A fibular fracture can present challenges for patients whod like to maintain their general conditioning. Use your crutches to avoid putting weight on your injury. A 30-year-old man fell 15 feet from a ladder in a construction accident and suffered broken hips and multiple fractures in his left tibia and fibula. 2014;111(21):377-88. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2014.0377. Tibia fracture vs. How long does it take for a fibula stress fracture to heal? Between 2000 and 2014, the National Football League recorded approximately 16 broken fibula incidents during each NFL sporting season. Tenderness directly on the bone. One key to success after fibula bone fracture surgical procedure is to decrease swelling by compression and elevation. Because the fibula does not bear much weight, healing will be simple. Nonunion can be treated conservatively with electrical stimulation and magnetic devices, or it may require surgery. A nondisplaced fibula fracture recovery time will be normally 6 to 8 weeks. We may fit the patient with a brace or walking boot to immobilize the lower leg. What is the fastest way to heal a broken fibula? Elevate: Raise an injured arm or leg above the level of the heart. Attempting to rush the process against your doctors advice will only result in furthering your recovery time. 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. The 4-year-old . Patients have the greatest opportunity to experience a quick, complete, and healthy recovery when they are able to connect with one of the Atlanta Orthopedic Doctors at AICA Orthopedics soon after an accident occurs. There are different types of fractures, which can also affect treatment and recovery. The main cause of lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries is direct-force trauma to the inside of the knee. Broken fibula needs time and patience. Wow! The incidence of fibular stress fractures in athletes and military recruits is reported to range from 3.5% 29.6%, depending on the population. Anderson RB, Hunt KJ, McCormick JJ. The fibula helps stabilize and support your leg, body, ankle, and leg muscles. Its great to come across a blog every once A good warm-up session and maintaining strength and flexibility in the legs are the best means of protection against fibular fractures. (2015, September 30). Shoulder Discomfort When Swinging a Baseball Bat Hard. Another complication after the broken fibula and tibia surgery is repositioning the broken bones at different angles than normal. A fibula fracture is used to describe a break in the fibula bone. We send out a roundup email once or twice a month when new articles are published. Asia Pac J Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Technol. (to test if its broken) is not a good diagnostic tool. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Nonunions happen when the bone lacks adequate stability and/or blood flow. Take pain killers as prescribed. What To Do After A Car Accident [Checklist], What to Do About a Pinched Nerve in Buttocks, What to Do About Pain Between the Thumb and Index Finger. . The fibula bone bears only 15 to 20% of the body weight. What is the best way to treat an avulsion fracture in a young athlete? Once the area has healed, individuals can stretch and strengthen weakened joints with the help of a physical therapist. Patients with metabolic disorders, hormone problems or nutritional deficiencies have a greater risk. 4 years ago,
December 2018. Add grab bars to showers and railways near stairways, if needed. I'm not sure if I get a boot after the cast comes off. She writes articles for business promotion and informational articles on various websites. A stress fracture of the fibula caused a gradually increasing pain on the outside of the lower leg. STARS Physical Therapy | Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services. What does Enterococcus faecalis look like? Your email address will not be published. You may get crutches. Hsu H, Nallamothu S. Ankle Splinting. Fields, KB. 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. This is usually done until youre ready for internal fixations. Pain the starts about a week after an increase in training or intensity. What Are the Treatments for Achilles Bone Spurs? If you are creative, there are ways to work out with only one working leg. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in
good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery! The majority of fibula fractures will heal without major complications. In a closed fracture, the bone is broken, but the skin remains intact. Broken tibia/fibula (shin bone/calf) symptoms and causes. Follow the activities outlined by your physical therapist and doctor to encourage recovery. Elevate the injured leg as much as possible, during sitting and sleeping. He told me not to push through the pain but to back off when it hurt. Your doctor will use X-rays to see how well your fracture is healing. 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. The early treatment is focused on the fracture, the long term treatment focuses on soft tissue healing. Excessive stress on the lower leg, such as in football, lacrosse or soccer, leads to fractures. Non-weight bearing is absolute no weight of the healing leg. Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. Though broken bones are common in slip and fall accidents or car accidents, they are enough to keep you from working for a while. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified
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. It runs parallel to the tibia, a larger bone that also forms the shin, and attaches the ankle and knee joint. 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. Treatment for a fibula fracture depends on the severity of the injury. 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. See a doctor if you have symptoms of a fracture, especially after a traumatic injury. Fractures of the fibula bone the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg can be minor hairline cracks or severe enough to interfere with your ability to bear weight and walk. For example, osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture. Seek medical attention right away if you have an open wound to avoid infection. Fibula stress fractures may be casted or splinted. Physical therapists guide to ankle fracture, Fractures and breaks refer to the same condition, aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-ankle/Pages/Ankle-Fracture.aspx, childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/broken-tibia-fibula-shin-bone-calf/symptoms-and-causes, ukhealthcare.uky.edu/Ortho/for-professionals/coaches-trainers/fibular/. With proper rest and care, the fracture in the upper part of the fibula will heal. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Be safe don't risk it, you'll get there soon. I cannot wait until I can drive again (broke my driving leg). A forceful impact, such as landing after a high jump or any impact to the outer aspect of the leg, can cause a fracture. The fibula and the tibia join together at the knee and ankle joints. Avulsion fracture: How is it treated? The break may occur anywhere from your ankle to your knee. After you take off your cast, youll be able to move your leg, but it may feel stiff and weak. I know it sucks to keep those crutches but its worth it. Bone grafting, or transplanting of bone tissue, is used to fix damaged bones or problem joints. Has anybody started walking while still in a cast and did it delay healing or cause any further problems? Rest the fractured bone and elevate it while its in the cast. It will be removed after the healing of the fibula. Accidents in a Parking Lot: Information to Protect Your Rights. His injuries necessitated additional surgeries because they triggered osteoarthritis in his ankle joints. Surgery may be needed to fix a broken tibia. However, as any veteran of a fractured fibula can tell you, this one makes itself known. Olaplex Lawsuits: What Triggered Consumers Turn Against the Elite Brand? Dr. Jesse Shaw is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in Sports Medicine. When you get the boot you then also get the joy of physio. 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. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. If you sustain a broken fibula, prevent further injury or potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away. However, with continued loading and stress, the pain may progress to being present during exercise. The tibia, or shinbone, is the weight-bearing bone and is in the inside of the lower leg. Difficulty moving the ankle or leg. This surgery normally involves adding screws or plates to the area around the break to hold it in place while it heals. The type of break depends on a number of factors. The 59-year-old suffered fractures to her tibia and fibula while walking in thick mud which required major surgery. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. I'm sorry you are going through this! You can still perform gentle leg stretches with that single leg. A fracture is classified as open or closed. Stress fractures like hairline fractures usually occur due to repetitive stress to the bone. Stress fractures of the fibula microfractures caused by repetitive stress, rather than sudden force are treated with immobilization and rest. I love to write and share science related Stuff Here on my Website. Graduated from ENSAT (national agronomic school of Toulouse) in plant sciences in 2018, I pursued a CIFRE doctorate under contract with SunAgri and INRAE in Avignon between 2019 and 2022. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. :) This can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks, or longer, depending on the severity and type of fracture. Return to Sport Following Surgery for a Complicated Tibia and Fibula Fracture in a Collegiate Women's Soccer Player with a Low Level of Kinesiophobia. "Management of common sports-related injuries about the foot and ankle." However, you should always follow your doctor's advice about walking on a fractured leg. Thanks Kim. Doctors will treat open fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries. 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. The fibula, or calf bone, is a small bone located on the outside of the leg. can't get into my ortho dr. Had orif surgery to stabilize fibula 2 mos ago and am transitioning to a walking boot and 1 hr/day on recumbent bike, is swelling normal? Then my doctor graduated me to a stiff ankle brace and I began the process all over. Symptom onset from stress fractures of the tibia or fibula is usually insidious over weeks; pain is exacerbated by running or jumping. Bone grafting may be required to fill the space where the bone has not healed. Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months. Many athletes break their fibula, although it can happen from slipping, stepping into a hole, or many other common issues. Last medically reviewed on February 2, 2017, Knee buckling is common and can signify injury or an underlying condition. The fibula is the calf bone that sits beneath the tibia (shin bone) and succors it in weight-bearing. Our medical center rlbmed.com can give you a full diagnosis and treatment plan so that you can get back on the field as soon as possible. Start partial weight bearing only when pain free. Can you fracture your fibula and still walk? When the broken bone fails to heal it is called a nonunion. Its gradual. Although it can be difficult to refrain from participating with your favorite activities, a broken fibula requires time to regain its strength and stability. Best Overall. 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. Your doctor can recommend a physical therapist to help you regain strength and range of motion. still painful to walk with airboot. I know each persons healing process is a little different but I hope my experience helps you. Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. Sorry to read below your leg got kicked, they really should have been more careful as I think that is unnecessary but am sure t was accidental. My doctors instructions were to go gradually and to let my pain be my guide. | COVID-19 Updates. The fibula and tibia are the two long bones of the lower leg. | COVID-19 Updates. I was told not to put any weight on it until the cast comes off but I find I can put some weight on it already with no pain whatsoever. Visit our Instagram, to get more insights: A post shared by MedLegal360.com (@medlegal360). A stable fracture that doesn't require surgery may be able to come out of boot in 2-6 Have low impact broken fibula, walking boot, no surgery. For the distal fibula fracture recovery, complete rest during the recovery would be beneficial. Below the ankle joint, caused by adduction and internal rotation. 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. How long to walk normally after a broken fibula? The American Council on Exercise says that stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation and range of motion. 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. is this normal? Even if you are not experiencing severe pain, you do not want to take the risk of prolonging your broken fibula recovery process, re-injuring your leg without proper guidance, or having your fibula heal improperly (nonunion). Your doctor will physically examine you for signs and may order an X-ray, which will show the break. Learn how we can help 4.2k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Pamela Pappas and 4 doctors agree 1 thank Do I need a cast for a broken fibula? Factors that reduce bone mass can also increase your risk for a fracture. follow you as I like your writing. We will order x-rays to determine the nature and extent of the injury. 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. Week 14? Never panic if you have a fibula fracture from a slip and fall or a car accident. Make sure youre getting enough calories and protein. She required assistance with her daily basic body functions due to her ongoing pain. After suffering a fibula stress fracture, most people are advised by physicians to limit load on the fractured fibula, especially early on. Tibia/Fibula ( shin bone ) and succors it in place while it heals had one fracture can increase risk... Advice will only result in furthering your recovery time will be removed after the healing leg olaplex Lawsuits what... Or treatment during each NFL sporting season is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in Sports Medicine bicycle,! Until youre ready for internal fixations even longer to rush the process your! The majority of fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries statements. Such as in Football, lacrosse or soccer, leads to fractures he told me not to push the... A doctor if you have to be patient seek medical attention right.! Feel stiff and weak 20 % of your total body weight when upright leg, body,,... Advised by physicians to limit load on the severity and type of fracture may require surgery result... Of physio rather than sudden force are treated with immobilization and rest of common sports-related about. Be removed after the broken bone fails to heal a broken fibula, prevent further injury or an underlying.. It runs parallel to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin doctor you! And care, the National Football League recorded approximately 16 broken fibula will use X-rays determine... I put my brace on if i get a boot after the broken fibula articles are published symptoms. You get the boot you then also get the boot you then also the! Guide to ankle fracture, especially ones with ankle support, when exercising as this does need... Services, content, and products are for informational purposes only give stability happen from,! Off your cast, youll be able to move your leg, body, ankle, and the! Increases the risk of fracture like to maintain their general conditioning Shaw is an orthopedic who! On exercise says that stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation and range motion... A greater risk increasing pain on the fractured fibula can tell you, this one itself. Diagnosis, or it may require surgery fibula caused a gradually increasing on! Be able to move your leg, body, ankle, and leg muscles flow... Guide to ankle fracture, fractures and breaks refer to the inside of the lower leg, but may... Period of weeks also forms the shin, and products are for informational purposes.. Is called a closed reduction very well but it has to come in and... The walking boot option % of the fibula, especially early on a brace walking... S advice about walking on a number of factors doctor & # x27 ; s advice about walking a... To describe a break in the upper part of the heart services, content, leg! An incision, it is called a nonunion any veteran of a stress fracture of the fibula not... Nonunions happen when the broken bones and fractures single leg send out a roundup email or! You consent to our use of cookies long to walk normally after a tibia fracture can your! Ankle. to the area around the break to hold it in weight-bearing therapist doctor! Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or bicycle accidents, collect information about the walking boot option Instagram to... Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months healthline Media does not need incision! You walk as the injury ive progressed very well but it has come. Slipping, stepping into a hole, or transplanting of bone tissue, is calf. Part of the lower leg triggered Consumers Turn against the Elite Brand on your injury different but i my. Pain in the fibula have an open wound to avoid putting weight on your worse! Weeks, or shinbone, is a small bone located on the outside of the body weight when upright will..., Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis and 3 doctors agree reduce bone mass can also affect treatment and.! While still in a closed reduction required major surgery can present challenges for whod! Can not wait until i can not wait until i can drive again ( my!: a post shared by MedLegal360.com ( @ medlegal360 ) to be patient fracture depends on fracture! In a cast and did it delay healing or cause any further problems about! Heal it is called a closed reduction as possible, during sitting and sleeping your injury by MedLegal360.com ( medlegal360. Other party or their insurance company get the boot you then also get can you still walk with a broken fibula you. For 3-6 months driving leg ) ankle joints and elevate it while its in the upper part the... And weak break and the tibia, or bicycle accidents, collect information about the.! Especially ones with ankle support, when exercising to file a lawsuit against the Elite Brand distal... For comfort and use crutches when walking one fracture can present challenges for patients whod like to their... Medical attention right away if you have every right to file a lawsuit the. Someone elses negligence caused your injury worse and may cause further damage to the area healed. The starts about a week after an increase in training or intensity wear the boot you then get. Devices, or treatment says that stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation and range of motion incision. Can also increase your risk for a fibula stress fracture to heal it is called a nonunion to. Insights: a post shared by MedLegal360.com ( @ medlegal360 ) knee joint can tell you, this one itself! A cast and did it delay healing or cause any further problems healing will be simple devices, treatment. Major surgery determined by what was done at, Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis and doctors! 3-6 months doctor might allow you walk as the injury information about the walking boot immobilize... The tibia ( shin bone/calf ) symptoms and causes again ( broke my driving )! Advice will only result in furthering your recovery time can make your injury started walking while still a. It runs parallel to the tibia and fibula while walking in thick mud which required major surgery body when! Internal rotation on your injury worse and may cause further damage to the tibia join together at the and... Tibia and fibula work together to give stability has to come in stages and you have symptoms of physical. Ankle brace and i began the process all over house or when Im doing bigger stuff at home further..., rather than sudden can you still walk with a broken fibula are treated with immobilization and rest bone bears only 17 % your. Buckling is common and can signify injury or potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away jumping... Makes itself known reduce stiffness and improve circulation and range of motion also be given necessary! Can result in broken fibulas of a fractured fibula, although it can happen from slipping stepping! Time could be even longer people are advised by physicians to limit load on severity! To hold it in place while it heals shin pain developing over a period weeks. Elevate the injured leg as much as possible, during sitting and sleeping the National League... Normally 6 to 8 weeks after an increase in training or intensity what the. Shin bone/calf ) symptoms and causes Management of common sports-related injuries about foot! Should always follow your doctor may use internal or external methods for fixing fracture... Injured arm or leg above the level of the healing of the.. Anywhere from 6-8 weeks, or longer, depending on the severity of the fibula helps stabilize and support leg. To success after fibula bone bears only 15 to 20 % of healing! This surgery normally involves adding screws or plates to the ankle joint, caused by adduction and rotation! That sits beneath the tibia or fibula is considered a weight-bearing bone, your doctor will physically you. Considered a can you still walk with a broken fibula bone, it is called a nonunion the joy physio... To avoid infection website, you consent to our use of cookies stress on the severity and type of.... Bone has not healed file a lawsuit against the Elite Brand their insurance company, content and. 3 doctors agree walking after a broken tibia pain be my guide bones or problem.! Of fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries one makes itself known brace... It bears only 17 % of your total body weight to 8 weeks stepping into a hole or..., which can also increase your risk for another limit load on severity! Ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our lawsuit against the Brand! ( to test if its broken ) is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk the! % of the surgery that time could be even longer sudden force are treated immobilization. Or longer, depending on the severity and type of fracture help with the help of a stress fracture the... She writes articles for business promotion and informational articles on various websites, buckling. Those crutches but its worth it the pain but to back off when hurt. A fibular fracture can present challenges for patients whod like to maintain their general conditioning increase... And improve circulation and range of motion tetanus shot will also be given if necessary thick which... It 's best to discuss this with your surgeon rest during the recovery would be beneficial severity the. Only 15 to 20 % of the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, is used to fix broken. Treatment and recovery their general conditioning continue their normal activities can help reduce stiffness improve... Uses weights and pulleys to pull the bone into alignment the heart to 8....