can you walk on a broken fibula after 4 weeks

Wearing a "boot" since 3 days after the accident. I've made an appointment to see my gp tomorrow so can hopefully get an xray by the end of this week or next week. I’m at 9 weeks now so The point I’m at now is 4 weeks since I started weight bearing. 7 users are following. All fibula breaks are serious and can leave you unable to fully walk, or perform standard daily activities without help, for weeks or months. Depending on the extent of the fracture or break, surgery may be the most appropriate option to fully recover from a break in your fibula. The type of break depends on a number of factors. I struggle with the patience now I am doing a lot better than I was. I kept the crutches handy. I know it sucks to keep those crutches but it’s worth it. Although it can be difficult to refrain from participating with your favorite activities, a broken fibula requires time to regain its strength and stability. Those who are required to stand for long hours at work will likely need several months of time off before attempting to return to their job. You’re “over the hump” and it just gets better and better from here! Thank you for your reply. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified 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. If you sustain a complete break, you will need to wear a medical boot for at least two months to help stabilize and protect the leg. I know each persons healing process is a little different but I hope my experience helps you. What To Do After A Car Accident [Checklist]. So I first worked on getting through those weird tingles. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Although a broken fibula may not continuously create intense levels of pain, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an injury occurs. Fibula Healing, Quickly and Completely. Is It Normal to Feel Worse After Seeing a Chiropractor? Wow! But the time flies by much faster once you feel like you’re starting to make progress because each day gets a little easier and you can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Be safe don't risk it, you'll get there soon. Complications are uncommon, and include: Non-union of a bone that doesn’t ‘knit’ back together. 2 years ago, I have just replied to your other post. I cannot wait until I can drive again (broke my driving leg). Our clinical information is certified to meet NHS England's Information Standard.Read more. This helps to reduce the inflammation around the break and the amount of pain you’re in. They are ok because you can take them off although I have found my foot/leg gets really hot and sweaty in this weather which isn't nice but thankfully after 2.5 months of no showers I can now shower and feel properly clean. At 5 weeks when you started to put weight on your ankle, did you experience any pain. Posted Sad, then ok, it's just total confinement. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. If I get a boot, I can handle that if it means I can walk and shower properly. Nothing was mentioned at the hospital and they don't want to see me between being plastered up and cast removal. You're absolutely right Jennifer. I have two kids, my house is gross, and they are close to no help without arguing because they are accustom to a mommy that caters to them...roll my eyes! I rolled my ankle while jogging 4 weeks ago. Some of the most common activities recommended to patients with a broken fibula include the following: For minor fibula fractures or breaks, it may only take about six weeks to make a full recovery. I have fractured (spiral) my fibula 3 weeks ago which didn't require any surgery, just a fibreglass cast which I am to keep for another 3 weeks. Our clinic has the resources, staff, and experience necessary to diagnose and treat a broken fibula, allowing our patients to return to their routines as soon as possible. You will likely have to use crutches or a knee scooter for a number of weeks during the recovery process so you don’t put too much weight on the break. Many athletes break their fibula, although it can happen from slipping, stepping into a hole, or many other common issues. You are likely to find it very difficult to walk and stand for long periods of time with a broken fibula, so it’s not a condition you can easily ignore. If it still hurts I would definitely get it checked as the last thing you need is it to have moved, hopefully though it will be fine. You may not even be able to put weight on the leg for weeks. My doctors instructions were to go gradually and to let my pain be my guide. After 4 weeks in a cast (4 and a half weeks since injury) I am having pain when trying to walk. The most important thing patients can do to recover from a broken fibula is allow themselves to rest and relax during the recovery process. How Soon After A Car Accident Should I See An Orthopedic Doctor? I was using a garbage bag over my cast until I bought proper cast covers for the shower. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. It’s gradual. Bought an ankle wrap last night and walked for 30 minutes this morning without the boot. Typical fractures heal in anywhere from 4-8 weeks, sometimes longer depending on … If you read about the bone healing process, you may want to think again - be careful, I did need surgery and have only this week, 14, been cleared to walk in a boot just a little, you don't want to end up like me lol! © Patient Platform Limited. If the break involves damage to the bone, blood vessels, soft tissue, and nerves, it normally takes three months or more to recover. Scroll down to see my last update which has more detail in it. Learn More. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in After 4 weeks in a cast (4 and a half weeks since injury) I am having pain when trying to walk. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Most of my swelling is gone. Doc said okay to put weight on effected leg. I began gradually putting weight on it and using my crutches to still support some weight. To confirm the doc said its okay to weight bear and Im in a cast and shoe not walking boot unfortunately. He told me not to push through the pain but to back off when it hurt. I find it a struggle as a sole carer to 2 four year olds but I definitely don't want to risk further damage. Thanks Kim. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hope you get a good one. All AICA Orthopedics clinics are fully staffed and operational. I'm sorry you are going through this! 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. Although a broken fibula may not continuously create intense levels of pain, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an injury occurs. No mention of a boot but who knows. If you sustain a broken fibula, it’s important to set appropriate expectations when it comes to the amount of effort and time it takes to completely heal. All fibula breaks are serious and can leave you unable to fully walk, or perform standard daily activities without help, for weeks or months. Any exercise that does not require you to put weight on your injured leg. All rights reserved. The break may occur anywhere from your ankle to your knee. Again, you will be able to tell if you are unable to tolerate it. Best of luck in your recovery. I quit using crutch last week. It’s important that you understand how to help your fibula heal and what you should avoid to prevent further damage or necessary healing time. I have read posts and forums from others saying that didn't rest enough and had to have further surgery. Nothing was mentioned about physio either so hopefully I won't need it but we'll see what happens I guess. good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery! Then my doctor graduated me to a stiff ankle brace and I began the process all over. Still, your doctor may recommend physical therapy and a few low-impact exercises that can help stretch and strengthen the injured leg. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It and the tibia, the larger bone, therefore, support all of your weight when standing. Hi, I know this is a while since your post but hope you can help. A broken fibula often starts immobilization. I was very lucky that I had hardly any pain after the first 3 weeks in a cast but I was still supposed to be nwb until the cast came off (6 weeks). 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. I have now started walking around home with a naked ankle. IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE : I'm going nuts after 3 weeks. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Within a few weeks to several months, most patients make a full recovery and … Don’t wait to have your leg examined if you believe you have broken your fibula. We’re here to support accident victims and to provide Orthopedic relief to hospital systems in Atlanta during this crisis. I pulled the crutches back out for support and began gradually adding weight to my ankle in just the brace and this went much quicker but it kept me in control and allowed me to follow my doctors orders of not letting it hurt. This is a case of the pain actually telling you to get off your leg, it's not ready. Be careful, people I have spoken to who have been through it or other doctors and nurses etc have always said do what your advised. If you sustain a broken fibula, prevent further injury or potential relapses from occurring by contacting AICA Orthopedics right away. Thanks Freddy. I’ve done this and feel that I’ve progressed very well but it has to come in stages and you have to be patient. Yeah I've read stories of people reinjuring by not following directions. I too had surgery and am 12 weeks post surgery but been walking the boot for a few weeks so similar but different to Kim. It takes time. Contact AICA Orthopedics To Recover From A Broken Fibula. Diagnosed with fractured distal fibula. Thanks for your reply. 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. Eighty-four patients wore a cast for six weeks; 83 spent three weeks in a cast; and 80 spent three weeks in an ankle brace. Registered in England and Wales. I might go to my doctor and get him to refer me for some x-rays before then though. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use as being in breach of those terms. Week 14? Even if you’ve had a cast put on and cannot put ice directly on the break, you still need to rest as much as possible and elevate your leg. It might just be a surgery related thing but I was recommended to get a sock /tubigrip type thing to wear inside the boot and it helped me but as I say might be surgery related. Big risk, 6 weeks vs. many, many. 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. It’s important to remember the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Elevate, especially right after the break. These metal items become a part of your fibula and are not removed. Yes it hurt if I tried too much. For example, with lateral malleolus break, the ankle joint isn’t damaged in any way, but with a bimalleolar ankle break, the fibula and ankle are both damaged.