weight bearing on a broken fibula with no surgery

Hi, I broke my fibula two months ago by falling hard on my left foot. At first I was just treated with a transact and was sent home with painkillers as they could not see a fracture.

I was only told a month later that I had a broken fibula and was then put in a cast. It's been 6 weeks now and I am still in a cast, did not require surgey and my O/S tells me that I can put FWB on it. I have tried to but it feels as if the bone has moved or something and it hurts alot. I have told him about this but he insists that I am not damaging anything at all.

So do I continue trying to walk on it or must I not. And how much longer do I have to be in this cast?

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weight bearing on a broken fibula with no surgery

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Mar 09, 2010
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For everyone again
by: Dreamlord

HI it's still me Dreamlord. my fibula break will turn 1 year soon. And as far as progress is concerned well guys, i played basketball again and both my legs are in good shape now. I've been running and jumping alot. Hang in there fellas.

Feb 22, 2010
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15 year old with Fibula break
by: Anonymous

My son broke his fibula playing basketball on Tuesday, February 16th. He was put in a splint in emergency room. Next day went to Ortho. They did not cast it. Said he would be walking on it in about a week. He is walking but leg is a bit stiff -- no pain. Has a support sock. I am concerned he is doing things too fast. Doctor says he can start hitting and throwing a baseball 3 weeks from injury.

Feb 02, 2010
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mid-shin fibula break - no brace
by: KR

I broke the fibula midway high on the shin from someone colliding with me. Limped in for Xrays a 2 days later and showed a non-displaced break halfway between ankle and knee. No ankle stability issues, no noticable swelling. My general doc talked with the radiologist and they concluded I didn't need a cast or brace. Treatment was to "not do things that make it hurt". As long as there is no pain, it's healing. When I asked how long to heal he said "a couple weeks". I think most of the pain was from soft tissue trauma and that is going away fast. As of day 4, I could walk without pain as long as I didn't extend and raise up on the calf muscle. Now at 12 days I can extend the calf and jump at 25% effort without pain. As soon as the pain is gone, I'll be playing basketball which feels like another week. Not alot of posts on web from folks with minor fib breaks. I think the ortho docs would probably put me in a brace for 6 weeks as they have liability issues and its no skin off their back if I'm unnecessarily inconvenienced. Anyone have a similiar experience?

Feb 02, 2010
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Broken Fib Dec 10th 2009
by: Rolo

I also got my Fibula broken from a Soccer kick Dec. 10th 2009. I didnt know it was broken until 3 days later. I bought an Aircast because i didnt want to wear a boot and be able to wear my normal shoes and also drive. Its been almost 8 weeks since i found out it was broken. I can walk almost normal and I can jog a bit. I do Jiu Jitsu and i went back to that after 6 weeks. I keep it braced and wrapped during any grappling. The main thing i feel is the muscle atrophy and soreness. I am hopeing by the middle of March I can return to the soccer field.

Jan 30, 2010
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to everyone
by: Dreamlord

hello everyone! I'm dreamlord. it's been quite awhile since i last posted a comment here. as you all know if you check the history of my posts, i broke my fibula. it was a complete fracture. displaced actually even if it fully healed already.
i broke mine last may 18, 2009. it was the lowest point of my life. i was in a cast for 6 weeks. my leg lost a lot of muscle. and i lost my 6 pack abs because i was always advised by the ortho to stay in one chair and use crutches. then after that i did a lot of home exercises by myself. i didn't go to the PT. i only followed youtube's plyometrics exercises. now my leg may not be as strong as before the break but it's catching up on my good leg-- the left one. i'm proud to say i already played basketball last month before christmas with my officemates.
hang in there and as soon as the doctor tells you to walk on it then do a lot of walking. i bought a bicycle too by the way instead of going to the PT it really helps.
good luck guys.
mine doesn't swell anymore. i don't take painkillers i just take vitamins a b c d and e
i don't take the one capsule that has a to z because it could be Bull S**t you know. try the ones in individual capsules. b complex and d are really good. i also recommend CALVIT and other calcium supplements. hey i'm not advertising or anything

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Jan 30, 2010
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Submitted by: Dreamlord

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hello everyone! I'm dreamlord. it's been quite awhile since i last posted a comment here. as you all know if you check the history of my posts, i broke my fibula. it was a complete fracture. displaced actually even if it fully healed already. i broke mine last may 18, 2009. it was the lowest point of my life. i was in a cast for 6 weeks. my leg lost a lot of muscle. and i lost my 6 pack abs because i was always advised by the ortho to stay in one chair and use crutches. then after that i did a lot of home exercises by myself. i didn't go to the PT. i only followed youtube's plyometrics exercises. now my leg may not be as strong as before the break but it's catching up on my good leg-- the left one. i'm proud to say i already played basketball last month before christmas with my officemates. hang in there and as soon as the doctor tells you to walk on it then do a lot of walking. i bought a bicycle too by the way instead of going to the PT it really helps. good luck guys. mine doesn't swell anymore. i don't take painkillers i just take vitamins a b c d and e i don't take the one capsule that has a to z because it could be Bull S**t you know. try the ones in individual capsules. b complex and d are really good. i also recommend CALVIT and other calcium supplements. hey i'm not advertising or anything

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Jan 29, 2010
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In the same boat
by: drewbydoo

I just broke my left fibula on the 1st of 2010 (happy new years) and then got a blood clot in my leg aka a DVT about 4 days later as a result of "no activity after trauma" (despite the fact that the doctors TOLD me to sit around and do nothing but ice and elevate). Only after the blood clot happened did I hear from an orthopedic doctor that I should have been moving around and doing little exercises...a little frustrating. My fibula broke clean much closer up towards my knee, it seems most people with broken fibulas have them around the ankle, dont know if this is a good thing that its higher or not. It's been about a month, and I am so sick of crutches its so annoying, especially on the snow and ice where I live. I just want to walk and ditch the crutches but my muscles are very sore from the clot and just getting stiff. I have been told in PT that I should be trying to start walking with crutches so I can move down to one crutch and eventually none, but right now trying it with just one crutch hurts my muscles, joints and feels like it hurts where I broke my fibula...I'm wondering if anyone knows if this has healed enough to walk on yet, although I've been told that I can start attempting to walk...

Jan 23, 2010
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You Will Be Fine
by: Shopgirl1357

I broke my ankle on July 29th it still swells and it still hurts at times. I have come to the conclusion that I will just have to live with it. I didn't have surgery and I didn't go to PT. Sami you will be fine and it will heal. I got my cast off in September and went to Vegas 2-days later with a boot. I had to wear the boot for a few weeks and after that came off I went to NYC in October and walked for miles. Nobody can say for certain how long it takes to heal because we are all different, but you are most likely young and strong which gives you an advantage. Your physician will tell you when you are healed enough to resume normal activities my guess is that you will get a boot for a few weeks, afterwards you can slowly start to do things, but for now you can still work your upper body which should help you mentally. I actually lost weight and toned up my abs and biceps (I know who cares lol). You have to look at this for what it is "temporary" I know it sucks, but you will alright it just takes time. If you are not healing I would find another orthopedic surgeon and get a second opinion.

Jan 22, 2010
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Hairline Fracture (Fibula)
by: Sami

Hello all,

On December 20, I fracture my left fibula as a result of a (freaking) kick to my leg in a soccer game. I had a "boot" for a week, then went to the fracture specialist for a check-up and found out that there's some ligament damage in my ankle. Went to the hospital the next day, where they put me to sleep and did a stress x-ray. Not enough damage to warrant screws/bolts/plates. They gave me a cast for what they said would be "at least four weeks." I'm going Monday to get it check out (it'll have been just one day shy of four weeks). I'm wondering if anyone has a clue how long it takes for a hairline fracture/ligament damage to heal after the cast is removed... My worst fear is that they'll just put the cast back on and tell me to crutch around for another few weeks. Don't know if I can mentally, emotionally or physically handle that! So frustrating for an athlete to literally not even be able to walk!!

Dec 28, 2009
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broken fibula right above the ankle healing time
by: Anonymous

Hey all, i broke my ankle over thanksgiving playing a little annual pick up football game. I did not need surgery and the break happened to my fibula right above the ankle of my right foot. it is a clean break but is aligning correctly. I went for my third dose of x-rays about a week ago and there was still no "white puffy" bone on the x-ray showing any new bone being created to heal it. My o/s still insists two more weeks in a full cast with crutches and then i will come in for another x-ray january 12th with the cast off. I play rugby for my school and i was wondering how long the process will be until i can even run let alone come back and play.
Thanks!

Oct 26, 2009
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Shopgirl
by: Anonymous

I am on week 3 without my boot my ankle is still swollen and it hurts. I am very limited to what types of shoes I can walk in. I found that even my flats that were always very comfortable are not anymore. My doctor said I may need to wear the boot if I am going to walk for long distances. It kind of depressing that it's three months since this fall and I am still dealing with this.

Sep 30, 2009
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to shopgirl
by: Dreamlord

you're welcome on the PT tip. i know how it looks like when someone is walking with heels on one foot and a walking boot on the other. i saw patients like them from the hospital i go to. i had to waste my time and money on one PT session so i don't want others to do the same ---but at least it made me find out that what i have been doing is correct.
my break was spiral complete fibula fracture. but no bone fragments. the fibula just split into two. far from the ankles and far from my knees. it was a midshaft break. that's why i'm worried the most and i'm just giving myself confidence because i don't want my loved ones to feel burdened by why i chose conservative treatment rather than surgery.

regarding brian sorry man, i don't want to give any wrong advice but my wife said you can't put FWB on it in 4 - 6 weeks.

Sep 29, 2009
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Broken Fibula Update - Dreamlord
by: Shopgirl

I'm glad to see you are getting around well, and thank you for the PT tip. I did not have a spiral fracture mine was a clean break on one side and a sprain on the other. When I viewed the x-ray on 16th the break is still there (I think that is why I am so freaked out). My doctor said if we waited for it to fully close it would take months, he said it is healing and not to go by the x-ray. I forget the term he used condensing or something. He did not attempt to manually correct it. The boot is a walking boot and it's really heavy. I wear a heel on the other foot to balance out my height or I else I limp. It's a pain, but at least I can take it off when I'm resting. I don't use the crutches or a cane.

As for Brian I think he needs to check with his doctor as to if he should put weight on his foot. Especially, since we all have different plans of treatment you don't want to give someone the wrong advice.

Sep 29, 2009
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to shopgirl from dreamlord
by: dreamlord1023

glad to know your trip was fine. i'm doing ok so far so good. I'm now walking with a tip cane. that is what the PT advised me to do. When i went there for the first time i asked what they will make me do and then i just did everything here at home. your friend was right that it was a waste of time. don't bother wasting your money on it. no offense to PT graduates though. is yours a walking boot? i think it's pretty heavy.
i think by this time your bones connected already. when you had a fracture, did the doctor manually fix you without surgery? some doctors try that.
is your fracture spiral?

as for brian, don't put weight on it.

Sep 28, 2009
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can i walk on it
by: Brian

Hi everyone - I fractured my fibula 7 days ago. It was a few inches above my ankle. It is not a clean break, there is just a tiny little line in my x-rays. I am in a walking boot with crutches. I am starting to put weight on it now after 7 days. Is this ok to do, put weight on it now?

Sep 28, 2009
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Broken Fibula Update
by: Shopgirl1357

Hi Dreamlord, My trip to Vegas was very nice we did a lot walking so it was exhausting. There were a lot of escalators which I have found I can manage to go up, but not down. I spent a lot of time searching for elevators. I was also detained at the airport because I was wearing a boot it took a little longer than usual. Other than that I managed. I have been attempting to walk without the boot in my house. When I first stepped down it felt really weird my whole left side felt weak. I just wanted to see if I could do it without pain. It didn't hurt, but I kept thinking it's going to break again. I also tried to drive my 5-speed car however it was much too cumbersome wearing the boot I was afraid it would get stuck. I ended up taking off the boot and driving with my sock on. As far as PT I am going to see how I feel once I am cleared to remove the boot. If I am still this fearful I may go for a few sessions. I really don't want to go, but if I have to I will. One of my co-workers also broke her ankle she did opt for PT, but found it was a waste of time. She said they put a towel on the floor and told her to swish it back and forth with her foot she said she could do that at home herself. So how are you doing?

Sep 28, 2009
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to shopgirl
by: Dreamlord

wow i'm glad to hear your cast was removed already. how was vegas?
anyway on to the topic, your swollen ankle is normal. i too have been thinking about the broken bone i saw on my 2d x ray when i had my fracture but the thing is there is no way it can change anymore even if the doctor said it is healed already.
my x ray last time showed my bones connected already in one small portion. but as you know we both opted for non surgery so this might take longer. i wanna ask you something as one fellow fibula fracture patient to another, are you going for physical therapy?

Sep 26, 2009
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Broken Fibula Update
by: Shopgirl

Last Wednesday my cast was removed and I was given a walking boot. On Friday I got on a plane and flew to Las Vegas for the weekend. I was able to walk without crutches and keep up pretty well considering I hadn't walked on my foot for 8-weeks. My ankle is still somewhat swollen, however the bruise is gone. Surprisingly I didn't gain any weight, but my calf muscles are weak and need strengthening. My next appointment is on the 20th. I was told that is the final phase and I should be able to wear my shoes again. Now it's more mental than physical, in my mind I keep seeing that broken bone in the x-ray. I used to run miles everyday now I am terrified of another break. I may need a few sessions of physical therapy to get myself confident enough to feel safe again, or I can just wear the big boot for the rest of my life.

Sep 07, 2009
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to football player who had surgery in brazil
by: Dreamlord

i would love to ask a few questions as i'm sure others here would love to do the same but as you can see we all opted not to have surgery so it is a different case

Sep 06, 2009
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Broken Fibula and torn "something" ligament
by: chris

Hey guys, I've been constantly searching the internet as I'm sure all of you have been doing. I broke my fibula pretty clean through. I was playing american football in...believe it or not...Brazil. Anyway, I actually got a bit lucky and had the best doctor in Curitiba and one of the best in Brazil to operate on my leg. Anyway, I broke it Aug. 22, had surgery Aug. 24. The doctor gave me a boot and crutches. For 3 weeks I need both, then the next 3 weeks I only need the boot, then I should be walking. I can already stand equally on both feet, which is especially helpful in the shower...you guys know what I mean. I've been taking care of my leg, it sucks, but I am resting almost the whole day except when I have to take a bus 45 min. to class.

Keep your spirits up, it's a huge inconvenience but you should, and most people do recover in 3 months. It is a very common injury in soccer and the stories I've heard is that guys are back on the playing field 3 months after surgery...I'm shooting for 2 haha. Hope this helps and any questions, I'll be checking this forum as frequently as I can remember.

Sep 05, 2009
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Get rid of crutches!
by: cathyp25

Folks - there's a really great thing you can rent that will help you get rid of crutches. its called a knee scooter or turning leg caddy and you can rent one through www.goodbyecrutches.com. I broke my fibula in July and was told to use crutches but I got tired of them so I rented this leg caddy and it was a god-send. Basically, you put your injured leg on a little shelf and the other foot moves the caddy. It also has a basket on it so you can actually carry things. I loved the caddy! And the best part of it is that you don't need to buy one, you can rent one - its only $30 a week or $100 per month. And insurance will probably cover it.
And its very easy to put together. It literally saved me from going crazy. Check it out!

Sep 05, 2009
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broken fibula
by:

hiya i broke my fibula 2 weeks ago and dr thought it would be pinned as it is a bad break but he says xrays look ok at mo. I am due to have my non weight bearing cast off in 4 weeks. I am a foundation stage teacher (3-5 yr olds), any ideas about walking on my leg afterwards?

Aug 31, 2009
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to new broken fibula
by: Dreamlord

don't put it on your underarms. my wife is a doc and she told me that for crutches--- it should be at least 2 to 3 inches away from the underarms.
rest it on your palms. they may have thick callouses at first but you'll get used to it.

Aug 29, 2009
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Broken Fibula
by: Shopgirl

Anonymous,
Sorry to hear about your ankle. I did not have surgery but from what I was told the recovery time is the same regardless. I have been on crutches for exactly one month, and have another 3-weeks to go in a cast ( 6-8 weeks). I learned to use my crutches by watching a video on YouTube. The hospital ER did very little PT with me. You have to really concentrate and not let your underarms rest on the crutch. If using crutches is painful you can get a walker (not my favorite but I have one). If you have a small desk chair with wheels maybe you can use that to get to your students. I have one that I use in my house I wheel myself all around and when I need to stand I just prop my knee on the chair and stand on my good leg.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Aug 29, 2009
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Broken Fibula
by: Anonymous

Hello, I broke my fibual on July 25, I had surgery on July 30. How long will it be before I can walk without the crutches? Under my arms are brused really bad. I teach technology and I will have to walk throughout the day assisting my students.

Aug 25, 2009
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to shopgirl
by: Dreamlord

well if this week was a little over 3 weeks and then you want to be able to walk properly by september 18 then i suggest you stop weight bearing on it and when your new cast will be removed, apply ice on the area as always and raise your leg high up. then on the day you will celebrate your anniversary i suggest you wear sneakers or flat shoes. you still can't wear heels. and don't forget to buy a cane if you don't wanna walk with crutches.

Aug 25, 2009
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to football player
by: Dreamlord

dude i feel for you and i can see how impatient you are by now. i recently went to the park where my parkour teammates practice free running and stunts and i must say i envied them. i also used to play football since i grew up in Europe. so set aside the fact that i can play basketball because i dribble with my feet when i see a ball anywhere.
but you can't play yet if you ask me. the guy who sounded like he is indian or something the one who said it'll take a year to look like normal again? he was right. me i'll try to go back to my normal activities on my birthday as it will also be my driver's license renewal.

Aug 22, 2009
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Broken Fibula Update
by: Shopgirl

Dreamlord, Yesterday was a little over 3-weeks since my break. I had my second appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. They removed the cast and took another set of x-rays. Unfortunately, because I also have torn ligaments as well as a fractured fibula they needed to recast it again. The x-rays indicated the break is healing and the swelling is subsiding. But I have to keep it in a cast for it to heal properly. Even though the fibula is not a weight bearing bone it could move they are still talking about possible surgery down the road. Walking on it at this point would only cause more damage. I told them I really need to be able to walk without crutches by September 18th (my trip to Vegas), they said most likely I will have a walking boot. I go back on the 16th they will remove the cast and take another set of x-rays. But on the downside (this is just crazy) while I was at my appointment my dog jumped out our second floor window and broke her left ankle. We have no idea what happened or what she saw she just jumped through the screen onto the pavement. She has never done this before. I came home to find her leg mangled. I called my husband and rushed her to the emergency animal hospital. She is now in a splint and will need surgery. I have health insurance my dog Lucy does not we are looking at close to four thousand dollars to repair her leg. What are the odds that both me and my dog have broken left ankles? I don't gamble, but I really need to win in Vegas!!

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Aug 22, 2009
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Submitted by: Shopgirl

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Dreamlord, Yesterday was a little over 3-weeks since my break. I had my second appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. They removed the cast and took another set of x-rays. Unfortunately, because I also have torn ligaments as well as a fractured fibula they needed to recast it again. The x-rays indicated the break is healing and the swelling is subsiding. But I have to keep it in a cast for it to heal properly. Even though the fibula is not a weight bearing bone it could move they are still talking about possible surgery down the road. Walking on it at this point would only cause more damage. I told them I really need to be able to walk without crutches by September 18th (my trip to Vegas), they said most likely I will have a walking boot. I go back on the 16th they will remove the cast and take another set of x-rays. But on the downside (this is just crazy) while I was at my appointment my dog jumped out our second floor window and broke her left ankle. We have no idea what happened or what she saw she just jumped through the screen onto the pavement. She has never done this before. I came home to find her leg mangled. I called my husband and rushed her to the emergency animal hospital. She is now in a splint and will need surgery. I have health insurance my dog Lucy does not we are looking at close to four thousand dollars to repair her leg. What are the odds that both me and my dog have broken left ankles? I don't gamble, but I really need to win in Vegas!!

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Aug 21, 2009
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to dreamlord? i think
by: football player

well i dont really care about how it looks or what i just want to play some football. i cant stand it watching another guy in my position.i was just wondering how long do you think i could actually start practicing and playing again. my doc said ill be getting my cast boot off next week on the 28, then after that some therapy. sooo yeahh. how did you fractured yours?

Aug 21, 2009
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to new anonymous guy from dreamlord
by: Anonymous

hello football player, i also broke mine due to a parkour stunt . i had a bad landing. expect yours to be glued by now but don't expect it to look like it was once before. i'm not lying when i say it.

Aug 20, 2009
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recovery for a fratcured fibula
by: Anonymous

hello.

i have recently fractured my left fibula towards the ankle on July 27th. in a couple of days after the fratcure, i was put into a cast boot or aircast. i also just took some x rays last week and the doc said the fracture is starting to glue back together or whatever. he also said i can apply of my weight on it and i have been walking on it for a while. i really want to play football but im not sure how long recovery or whatever is. thanks for your helpp.

Aug 20, 2009
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to shopgirl
by: Dreamlord

Shopgirl,

kudos on your wedding anniversary. you're right. be careful with where you stomp those crutches on because they can even give you another fracture if a worse case scenario happens. i went to my ortho today. i had my x ray too. i discovered one thing. he told me that only they (orthos) can read it and claim whether it is connected or not. he also added that even when they say it is a go for PT, your x ray will still look like you have a fracture.
as for me, today my fibula still looked like it has a fracture because they only used a 2d radio bone scanner. or 2d x ray. don't believe what people say when they say the fracture is no longer visible when 3 or 4 months arrive. unless it was just a small crack then disregard what i said. but if yours was like mine then expect your x ray reading to be like as it was before with slight improvement that only they orthos can read.
as for me, my wife gave a big sigh of relief when we both heard the news from the ortho that i can now go on a rehab for my ankles.
i still have to ask him on september 20 which is better, a conservative treatment or the surgical.
i can't really trust what some people blog about their story of success and how they can't see the break like it never happened. it would be impossible anyway.
good luck and i hope to hear from your progress.
i'll start rehab next week.

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Aug 20, 2009
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Submitted by: Dreamlord

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Shopgirl, kudos on your wedding anniversary. you're right. be careful with where you stomp those crutches on because they can even give you another fracture if a worse case scenario happens. i went to my ortho today. i had my x ray too. i discovered one thing. he told me that only they (orthos) can read it and claim whether it is connected or not. he also added that even when they say it is a go for PT, your x ray will still look like you have a fracture. as for me, today my fibula still looked like it has a fracture because they only used a 2d radio bone scanner. or 2d x ray. don't believe what people say when they say the fracture is no longer visible when 3 or 4 months arrive. unless it was just a small crack then disregard what i said. but if yours was like mine then expect your x ray reading to be like as it was before with slight improvement that only they orthos can read. as for me, my wife gave a big sigh of relief when we both heard the news from the ortho that i can now go on a rehab for my ankles. i still have to ask him on september 20 which is better, a conservative treatment or the surgical. i can't really trust what some people blog about their story of success and how they can't see the break like it never happened. it would be impossible anyway. good luck and i hope to hear from your progress. i'll start rehab next week.

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Aug 17, 2009
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Fibula
by: Shopgirl

Dreamlord,

Let me know how your x-ray turns out on the 20th. I go on the 21st for mine. It will be 3 weeks since I fell I hope to be in a walking boot very soon. I have to leave for Vegas on September 18th to celebrate my wedding anniversary. I have no idea what I am going to do if I can't walk. The crutches are dangerous, you really have to pay attention to what you are doing. I nearly fell out the door the other day. I can't do stairs with them at all so leaving my home is a challenge. If it's raining I can't go out. You would think with all the medical breakthroughs that they could come up with a better way to heal a broken ankle. They tell you like it's so easy "no walking for 6-8 weeks here are 2 sticks use them to get around". I guess it could be worse I have a friend who fell while jogging he broke his ankle and elbow. Because he was in the military and had no family to take care of him so he had to stay in the hospital to recover. He is actually fine now. We just have to keep good thoughts and do the best we can.

Aug 17, 2009
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to shopgirl
by: dreamlord

hi shopgirl. you're quite lucky you work from home. I teach at a school and i haven't been to work for about 3 months now to this day. i don't have swelling anymore but i'm still on crutches. I also do some exercises like crunches and push ups using only one leg. i also lift some small weights. yes these things can make our spirits high because just like you. i actually miss my previous activities. I broke my fibula on a parkour stunt. I twisted badly when i fell. i'm driving now but i still bring and walk with my crutches. I will have an x ray this week on august 20. i think the one year clear x ray mentioned there on the post is for tibia fibula. because on my ortho books it will only take at least 3 months if you only broke the fibula.

Aug 15, 2009
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broken fibula
by: Anonymous

hi everybody broken fibula needs 3 months for make usual activities complete healing appears to xrays in a year.if you can avoid surgery is better for you because the pain is less and the are is not hardware in your body.be patient and dont try to avoid walking.hi from greece johny.......

Aug 13, 2009
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Broken Fibula Update
by: Shopgirl

I opted not to go to the Podiatrist and remove the cast. I did however speak to the resident who is treating me. He said the pain I was feeling is normal to keep my leg elevated and ice the back of my knee. Keeping ice in that spot will cool the blood as it moves into the leg therefore reducing the swelling. It's been a week and the swelling seems to be going down. I get around the house using my desk chair, since I don't have much carpeting I am able to move downstairs pretty well. I also found that if use the leg that is injured in a kneeling position on the chair I can stand on my other leg and do things like wash dishes and do laundry. I have a walker that I use when I am upstairs it helps when getting dressed and bathing. I have a claw tub so I am able to take a bath. I also do a workout video for my upper body I use 3 pound weights and I do crunches and leg work on a mat. It helps keep my spirits up since I can't walk or run. Laying on the floor stretching really helps. I also reduced the amount of calories I consume. I eat three small meals during the day and drink low fat chocolate milk at night before bed (as much calcium as I can get). I wear my normal clothing not workout wear all day. I need to know I can still fit into my clothes.

I work from home which is a blessing my company did not make me take a leave. I am allowed to drive although I tried driving a few days ago, but my leg started to swell and ache. I'm also very nervous on crutches outside. I fear falling again that's all I need is to break something else. Some people have told me it is against the law to drive with a cast. I have not been able to find anything on Google about it in the state of PA. I have no restrictions according to my doctor (that's easy for him to say). I go back for my follow up appointment on the 21st. I think they are going to remove this cast, do another x-ray and most likely put another cast on. The next phase should be a walking boot.

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Aug 13, 2009
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Submitted by: Shopgirl

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I opted not to go to the Podiatrist and remove the cast. I did however speak to the resident who is treating me. He said the pain I was feeling is normal to keep my leg elevated and ice the back of my knee. Keeping ice in that spot will cool the blood as it moves into the leg therefore reducing the swelling. It's been a week and the swelling seems to be going down. I get around the house using my desk chair, since I don't have much carpeting I am able to move downstairs pretty well. I also found that if use the leg that is injured in a kneeling position on the chair I can stand on my other leg and do things like wash dishes and do laundry. I have a walker that I use when I am upstairs it helps when getting dressed and bathing. I have a claw tub so I am able to take a bath. I also do a workout video for my upper body I use 3 pound weights and I do crunches and leg work on a mat. It helps keep my spirits up since I can't walk or run. Laying on the floor stretching really helps. I also reduced the amount of calories I consume. I eat three small meals during the day and drink low fat chocolate milk at night before bed (as much calcium as I can get). I wear my normal clothing not workout wear all day. I need to know I can still fit into my clothes. I work from home which is a blessing my company did not make me take a leave. I am allowed to drive although I tried driving a few days ago, but my leg started to swell and ache. I'm also very nervous on crutches outside. I fear falling again that's all I need is to break something else. Some people have told me it is against the law to drive with a cast. I have not been able to find anything on Google about it in the state of PA. I have no restrictions according to my doctor (that's easy for him to say). I go back for my follow up appointment on the 21st. I think they are going to remove this cast, do another x-ray and most likely put another cast on. The next phase should be a walking boot.

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Aug 13, 2009
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from dreamlord to everyone
by: Anonymous

how far was the break from the ankle?
if it is near the ankle you will need surgery.
as for the girl who broke her fibula on the beach yeah i was called a cripple while calling a cab.
thanks for the info about the arthritis because now i know what to expect. I'm now on my 3rd month of this injury and i will have an appointment next week august 20. i also opted not to undergo the surgery since it was also an elective on my part. let's keep in touch all of us since we all have similar cases

Aug 05, 2009
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Fractured Fibula Orthopedic Surgeon or Podiatrist?
by: Shopgirl

I fractured my fibula last week when I fell in the ocean on vacation. I went to the ER they took x-rays and put my leg in a splint. I was told to follow up with an orthopedic surgeon. When I came home I made an appointment and was put into a plaster cast. I was told no weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. Surgery was elective I decided not to have it. Prior to the cast I was able to hop around on one leg and use the crutches pain free, now I can't the pain is horrible when I stand as long as I am resting it's fine. I made a call to a friend who is a podiatrist he said he wanted to cut off the cast take new x-rays. He also said the fibula is a non weight bearing bone and a walking cast might be better. I am really nervous to let him cut off this cast because it is already set. I do not want to do anymore damage to my ankle. I am trying to find out if this pain is normal. The ankle is swelled the cast is very heavy so it makes sense that when I stand it would hurt when the blood rushes down. I don't handle pain very well. Before this happened I was walking 5-8 miles a day. This is torture!! Everything that I have read is depressing the pain, the recovery time. My doctor said it will take 8 months before I will fully recover and since I decided not to have surgery I am certain to get arthritis as well. The podiatrist seemed to be able to offer me a more comfortable recovery process, however I am uncertain about switching physicians. Should I just suck it up and stay off of it until the swelling goes down, or should I have it re x-rayed and start over?

If nothing I have a deeper understanding for people who are disabled and have to live like this all the time. Just trying to use a public restroom is a chore. Someone actually called me a "cripple" when I was trying to get into a restaurant. Once I recover I will never take my health for granted again.

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Aug 05, 2009
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Submitted by: Shopgirl

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I fractured my fibula last week when I fell in the ocean on vacation. I went to the ER they took x-rays and put my leg in a splint. I was told to follow up with an orthopedic surgeon. When I came home I made an appointment and was put into a plaster cast. I was told no weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. Surgery was elective I decided not to have it. Prior to the cast I was able to hop around on one leg and use the crutches pain free, now I can't the pain is horrible when I stand as long as I am resting it's fine. I made a call to a friend who is a podiatrist he said he wanted to cut off the cast take new x-rays. He also said the fibula is a non weight bearing bone and a walking cast might be better. I am really nervous to let him cut off this cast because it is already set. I do not want to do anymore damage to my ankle. I am trying to find out if this pain is normal. The ankle is swelled the cast is very heavy so it makes sense that when I stand it would hurt when the blood rushes down. I don't handle pain very well. Before this happened I was walking 5-8 miles a day. This is torture!! Everything that I have read is depressing the pain, the recovery time. My doctor said it will take 8 months before I will fully recover and since I decided not to have surgery I am certain to get arthritis as well. The podiatrist seemed to be able to offer me a more comfortable recovery process, however I am uncertain about switching physicians. Should I just suck it up and stay off of it until the swelling goes down, or should I have it re x-rayed and start over? If nothing I have a deeper understanding for people who are disabled and have to live like this all the time. Just trying to use a public restroom is a chore. Someone actually called me a "cripple" when I was trying to get into a restaurant. Once I recover I will never take my health for granted again.

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Aug 03, 2009
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.
by: Anonymous

Yes it was clean break. The xray says that it hasn't healed properly so still need to use crocthes for the nxt 2 wks and then have to go back for another xray

Aug 03, 2009
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to Anonymous
by: dreamlord

yes use crutches. was it a clean break? was there any surgery?

Jul 21, 2009
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Broken fibulas!!
by: Anonymous

I broke my fibula about 3 wks ago and have since then had 1/2 a cast on which is now a full cast. I am to go back to the hospital in 10 days. This is the 1st web site that has given me info about my broken fibula with any surgery. I am off on hols mid of sept but worried that I may not be walking properly on my ankle. Will I have to use croutches once my cast is off?

Jun 20, 2009
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worried fibula
by: dreamlord

I fractured my fibula last may 18,2009. I've been to many sites but this is the closest thing i can connect to my injury. I was in a half cast for two weeks then i was in a fiber cast for a month. I went to see my O/S and he advised me to give it some FWB and then he advised me to walk. The problem is my ankle can't do some inward motions. Is that normal? It can do some outward stepping but the inward is quite painful. Should i force it?
My next O/S appointment is on July 16.

Jan 11, 2009
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Redo Fibula
by: Casted jen

I broke my fibulia in two places above the ankle right before labor day. After 6 weeks it still hurt. I went in to my ortho complaining and he ordred a Ct. The Ct showed the bones were aligned but not bridged ( they were torqued on themselves). So I ended up having surgery right before Christmas. Bummer. I had to start all over. Why can't docs get it right he first time.
I am so tired and frustrated. I am in a lot of pain but went back to wirk on crutches and no meds. I med when I get home. How much longer?

Nov 06, 2008
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gradual increase
by: Bart - SII

It is going to be somewhat painful, and is likely going to feel very funny for a week or two. Just try to gradually increase the amount of weight you are putting on your ankle. This may mean going with both crutches for a few days, but putting weight on that leg as you walk with them...once that starts to feel better, then transition to more weight, and then just one crutch.

You can do simple exercises like standing on both feet and shifting weight from side to side - you can control how much weight you put on your injured leg and then just slowly increase it.

The aircast should help to give you some support and make things feel more stable and normal - I would imagine he will want you in that for at least a few weeks.

Walking normally within a month may be cutting it close, but if you can progress gradually, 6 weeks should be reachable. Just a guess.

Bart

Nov 06, 2008
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Re: Out Of Cast But Fracture Is not 100% healed
by: Hazel

Hi Bart.

Thank you, thank you for answering my question so quickly. I have been on many sites and nobody has yet gotten back to me about any of my questions, except you. I really appreciate such a quick response.

Well, what has happened is that yesterday, I went to get new x-rays done, and then went to see my 0/S. He said my x/rays looked okay, there is still a fracture line visible but he insists that I should put FWB on it and wishes to see me in 3days time, to find me at least coming down to just one crutch. My goodness, I have tried, but the pain in my foot, especially on the left side and mainly under my heal point, is really painfull. It feels like the somethings piercing at the heal. Is this normal. How long does it takes one to get the handle of balancing on both sides normally again, hehehe because right now, the left side of my body feels really foreign Bart.

He has asked me to now get an aircast which I should be getting tomorrow, how long do I have to wear it?

Do you think I will be walking normally by a months time?

Thanks once again

Regards

Hazel Anand

Nov 03, 2008
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weight bearing
by: Bart - SII

The fibula is not a weight bearing bone, so putting weight on your leg shouldn't overstress the bone. Since the fracture wasn't displaced, surgery wasn't needed.

You will likely have some pain and abnormal feelings early on during your weight bearing as your body adjusts back to this. You should follow your doctors advice.

When you can get out of the case will depend on how your follow up X-rays look and how the bone is healing, and when your doctor feels it is ok for you to remove it.

Bart