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How long does a fibula fracture take to heal?
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.
Is it OK to walk on a fractured fibula?
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 you play football with a broken fibula?
Fibula fracture in football Although it is possible to play with a fibular fracture, it is not something that should be taken lightly. The fibula is a mostly non-weight bearing bone, accounting for roughly 3 percent of the body weight carried by the leg.
What is a fibula shaft fracture?
Definition. The fibula is a small bone that runs along the outside of the lower leg. A fibula shaft fracture is a break in the long, narrow part of this bone.
Is a fibula fracture serious?
Fibular fractures are usually treated as emergencies. You should visit a doctor if you suspect you have such a fracture. Call 911 or your local emergency helpline number if there’s been a high-energy injury such as a motor vehicle accident or gunshot wound.
Do you need a cast for a fibula fracture?
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.
Do you need a cast for a fractured fibula?
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.
Is a fibula fracture painful?
Fibular fractures can show the following symptoms: Pain or aches at the site of the fracture on the body. Tenderness, swelling, or bruising. Visible signs of deformity.
When does a fibula fracture need surgery?
When the syndesmosis is damaged at the ankle, an injury that can occur along with a fibula fracture, surgery is often required to restore the alignment of the bones. Fibular fractures with ankle injuries will usually require surgery to correct.
What broken fibula feels like?
Why is fracture pain worse at night?
During the night, there is a drop in the stress hormone cortisol which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.
Who is responsible for the management of fibular fractures?
Initial management is often provided by primary care and emergency clinicians, who must therefore be familiar with these injuries. The diagnosis and management of fibular fractures is discussed here. Ankle fractures and sprains, stress fractures of the fibula, and fibula fractures in children are reviewed separately.
What causes a fracture of the fibula shaft?
Isolated fractures of the fibular shaft are uncommon and are usually the result of a direct blow. More commonly, fibular shaft fractures occur in association with fractures of the tibia or ankle injury.
How long does it take for a midshaft fracture to heal?
Midshaft Fibula Fracture. You have sustained an isolated fracture to the middle of you your fibula (outside bone in your leg). This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to unite (heal) although pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months.
What kind of sports have high incidence of fibular fractures?
Athletes engaged in sports that involve cutting, particularly those associated with contact or collision, have a higher incidence of fibular fractures [5]. Typical examples include American football, soccer, and rugby. Participants in downhill winter sports have relatively high rates of fibular fractures.