How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Broken Tibia And Fibula?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

What is the fastest way to heal 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.

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

Any time a bone is broken we have to remove pressure on that bone to allow it to heal. This contributes to the prolonged healing time and requires a period of

about 6 weeks

where no weight is put on that leg.

What happens if you break your tibia and fibula?

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.

When can I return to sport after tibia and fibula fracture?

Return to sport ranged from 12 to 54 weeks after surgical intervention and from

28 to 182 weeks after nonsurgical management

(mean difference, 69.5 weeks; 95% CI, –83.36 to −55.64; P < 0.01).

How can I walk again after a broken tibia?

Your doctor may tell you not to put weight on your leg for

several weeks to months

as the bone heals. 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.

How long does pain last after tibia surgery?

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 much compensation will I get for a broken tibia and fibula?

The average settlement value for a fibula or tibia fracture in a personal injury lawsuit is

around $70,000 to $90,000

. Femur fractures get twice as much compensation with an average settlement value of $150,000 to $175,000.

How long do you wear a cast for a broken tibia and fibula?

If your child has a broken tibia or broken tibia-fibula, they will need to wear a cast or boot for

six to 12 weeks

. During this time, they will probably have a long leg cast for six weeks followed by a short leg cast and then an Aircast® boot. Waterproof casts make it easier to bathe.

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 strengthen your legs after a broken tibia?

Straight

leg raise exercises

(lying, seated, and standing), quadriceps/straight ahead plane only. No side-lying leg raises. Range of motion exercises. Hip and foot/ankle exercises, well-leg stationary cycling, upper body conditioning.

When can you put weight on a broken tibia?

Any time a bone is broken we have to remove pressure on that bone to allow it to heal. This contributes to the prolonged healing time and requires a period of

about 6 weeks

where no weight is put on that leg.

Can a broken tibia heal in 4 weeks?

Depending on health and injury pattern this bone can take

3-4 months

to heal without surgery. In the initial few weeks, fractures treated without surgery tend to be painful or uncomfortable until the healing process matures over a few weeks.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

Vitamins and minerals including calcium and Vitamin D are essential to bone health. A diet rich in those nutrients, including dairy products, green vegetables,

cod liver oil

, certain fatty fish and eggs can help boost bone health and speed healing.

How long after a 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.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.