Question - Broken Fibula

by Kyle Humphrey
(Glendale, AZ, USA)

I broke my fibula about 9 weeks ago just above my ankle bone. For the first month I was in a plaster cast, then the doctor put me in a walking cast. The first two weeks I was still using the crutches with the walking cast, after that I have been walking on it. My break was diagonal all the way through the bone. The bone shifted very little, and because I do not have health insurance I opted not to get surgery.

The Dr. also told me I tore the ligaments down both sides of my ankle as there was a lot of swelling and stirrup like bruises all the way up to mid calf on the both sides of my ankle. I was supposed to have my last appointment with the Dr. this week but due to the fact that each visit costs me about $250 dollars I just couldn't afford to pay more than I already have, so I cancelled it.

My ankle still hurts around the break when I walk on it very much, and I would say I have about 50% mobility when I take my cast off. It still can not support much weight and is still a little swollen around the ankle bone. Should I continue to wear the cast? How long will it take before the tendons are healed and I can golf/ play softball again? Thank you!

-Kyle

Comments for
Question - Broken Fibula

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 09, 2010
Rating

Slow to never? NEW
by: Anonymous

Broke my ankle fibual and talus and torn ligament, 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure I have some arthritis in it, the torn ligament hurts off and on and frankly, it'll never be the same. My husband broke his heel/ankle 7 years ago....it's just never the same. Figure out what you can do, what makes it hurt, wear good shoes and take Aleve when you need to. It's just never going to be the same. Sorry to tell the truth.

Mar 22, 2009
Rating

Question - Broken Fibula NEW
by: Anonymous

I think the biggest concern here are the torn ligaments. I agree with Brad's comments about the bone recovery aspects. But of higher concern are the ligament injuries. Bone breaks will heal eventually, however ligaments and tendons may not. I've broken my fibula as described. Fortunately you *will* want to walk again so therapy does not have to be extensive. I would definately save up and visit the doctor concerning th soft tissue injuries. -H

Aug 16, 2008
Rating

You need a follow up X-ray... NEW
by: Bart - SII

The only way to tell how well the bone is healing is to have a follow up X-ray. If you had one at your last appointment and everything looked ok, the bone was healing well, and your physician wasn't worried, you should be fine. But without a final X-ray, especially one after 6 weeks of healing, it is hard to tell how the bone is responding.

Recovery can take quite awhile - the bone is usually healed well enough (if all goes well) to weightbear after 6-8 weeks - and then most will need several weeks of therapy to regain their motion and strength.

Without therapy, recovery will be slower and the overall result will not be as good.

Bart

Click here to add your own comments

Signup for your free copy of Flexibility Solutions!