Sports Injury Info

Ankle Swelling (tibia fracture)

by Brian
(Franklin, WV, United States)

I recently broke my tibia playing soccer. I had a thigh cast on for 5 weeks and it was removed about a week ago. I still have a good bit of swelling in my ankle and foot.

What would be the best thing that I could do to reduce the swelling so I can start to gain a better range of motion with my foot?

Also how long does it take for a tibia break to heal? What would be some good exercises to do to build back the muscle I have lost?

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Ankle Swelling (tibia fracture)

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Oct 15, 2008
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by: Bart - SII

Where was your fracture located in your Tibia? I am assuming it was mid shaft or higher because you referred to a "thigh" cast.

Your body should start absorbing the swelling in your ankle and foot over the next few weeks. You can help facilitate this with massage around your ankle and foot. Massaging the area trying to "milk" the swelling up the calf can help to move the fluid out of the area.

Using an elastic wrap around the ankle and foot (like you wold use after an acute ankle sprain) can also help to decrease the swelling. Anti-inflammatories may also help, but check with your doctor first.

Fractures take on average 6 weeks to heal - depending on where your fracture was located in the tibia it could be longer for shorter.

Bart
Oct 16, 2008
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by: Brian

My tibia is broken about 3 inches up from my ankle. Also I was wondering would icing or heating the swolen area help reduce the swelling?
Thank you
Oct 17, 2008
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by: Bart - SII

Hi Brian - I got your email. Now that you are out of the cast and able to start bearing weight on the leg, your swelling should continue to decrease. Even using the crutches and bearing partial weight on the leg will help facilitate the muscle function to reduce the swelling.

As far as exercises, I would recommend going very very slow - the fracture has to have time to heal, and if you over-stress the area, it will slow down the healing. It is going to take time to build the muscles back up, and actually being able to walk will help a lot with this.

Talk to your doctor about a referral to therapy to work on strength, balance, and muscle control...that will be the best way to get your function back as quick as possible.

Heat or ice should be fine - I recommend heat first, then range of motion and or massage, then followed by ice with most of my patients.

Bart

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