Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone,
your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers
. 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.
Can we live without fibula?
The fibular bone runs on the outside of the leg from the knee joint to the ankle joint. It is a small thin bone that can be
entirely removed
without affecting your ability to bear weight.
Do I need a fibula?
Although this bone carries the majority of the body’s weight,
it still needs the support of the fibula
. The fibula, sometimes called the calf bone, is smaller than the tibia and runs beside it. The top end of the fibula is located below the knee joint but is not part of the joint itself.
What is the main purpose of the fibula?
Unlike the tibia, the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone. Its main function is
to combine with the tibia and provide stability to the ankle joint
. The distal end of the fibula has several grooves for ligament attachments which then stabilize and provide leverage during the ankle movements.
Is a fibula fracture serious?
Most fractures of the fibula do not have any serious complications
. Within a few weeks to several months, most patients make a full recovery and can continue their normal activities.
Does a broken fibula require a cast?
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. Recovery time depends on factors such as: the severity of the injury and the presence of any other injury at the same time. your age.
Why does fibula hurt?
Unstable or damaged joint – If the ligaments that hold the fibula to the tibia are loose or damaged, this causes too much motion or fibular head instability. The joint here between the two bones
can become arthritic or swollen
, which can cause pain. These ligaments include the tibiofibular and lateral collateral.
Does fibula bear any weight?
Tibia and fibula are the two long bones located in the lower leg. …
It is the main weight-bearing bone of the two
. The fibula supports the tibia and helps stabilize the ankle and lower leg muscles.
How easy is it to break your fibula?
It supports just
about 15% of your body weight
but even so, if you come down on your fibula wrong, it’s an easy bone to snap. The fibula can fracture in numerous places, and in numerous ways, including: Stress fractures occur when repeated impact causes the bone to wear down and break. This is an overuse injury.
What does the fibula connect to?
The fibula is connected to
the tibia
through a web of connective tissue that runs nearly the entire length of the fibular shaft. The proximal tibiofibular joint
What does a broken fibula feel like?
Pain, swelling, and tenderness
are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a fractured fibula. Other signs and symptoms include: Inability to bear weight on the injured leg. Bleeding and bruising in the leg.
Can a broken fibula heal in 4 weeks?
Fibular fracture treatment usually takes
four to six weeks
, as long as the patient doesn’t try to return to action too soon. Complications are uncommon, and include: Non-union of a bone that doesn’t ‘knit’ back together. Bone heals in an awkward position.
How long does a broken fibula hurt?
However, in most cases involving a broken fibula, it will take at least twice that amount of time, if not longer. If the break involves damage to the bone, blood vessels, soft tissue, and nerves, it normally takes
three months or more
to recover. You may not even be able to put weight on the leg for weeks.
How long after broken fibula can I walk?
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 do you sleep with a broken 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 long after broken fibula can I run?
In general, you can attempt to start running
about three to four months
after your injury. By this time, the bones in your ankle should be well healed and your ROM and strength should be close to normal.
