Broken foot healing time period. Foot Fracture Recovery: 6-Week Healing Guide and Rehabilitation Plan
How long does it take for a broken foot to heal. What are the stages of foot fracture recovery. How to manage pain and swelling after a foot fracture. When can you start walking after a broken foot. What exercises help with foot fracture rehabilitation.
Understanding Foot Fractures: Healing Time and Initial Care
A foot fracture is a common injury that requires proper care and attention for optimal recovery. Typically, these injuries take about 6 weeks to heal completely. During this time, patients may experience varying levels of pain and swelling, which can be managed through appropriate measures.
To alleviate discomfort and promote healing:
- Elevate the foot, especially at the end of the day when swelling tends to worsen
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed
- Use cold packs for short-term pain relief (15 minutes every few hours)
- Rest the foot for the first 24-72 hours to initiate the healing process
Walking with a Foot Fracture
Can you walk on a fractured foot? While you may walk on the injured foot as comfort allows, many find it easier to walk on the heel during the early stages of recovery. A protective boot is often provided, primarily for comfort rather than being necessary for fracture healing. This boot can help alleviate symptoms and provide support during the initial recovery phase.
The 6-Week Rehabilitation Plan: A Comprehensive Guide
Recovery from a foot fracture typically follows a structured timeline. Let’s break down the rehabilitation plan into manageable stages:
Weeks 0-3: Initial Recovery Phase
During the first three weeks after injury:
- Wear the protective boot for comfort when walking
- Use crutches if necessary
- Remove the boot at night and when resting at home
- Begin gentle exercises to maintain and improve foot mobility
Weeks 3-6: Transitional Phase
As you enter the second half of your recovery:
- Gradually reduce reliance on the boot and crutches
- Start walking without aids, beginning indoors and progressing to outdoor activities
- Continue exercises to regain foot flexibility
- Consider using the boot for longer walks if needed
Weeks 6-12: Advanced Recovery
At this stage, your injury should be healed, although mild symptoms may persist for 3-6 months.
- Resume normal day-to-day activities, guided by any pain experienced
- Be aware that heavy tasks or extended walks may still cause discomfort and swelling
- Continue with rehabilitation exercises as needed
After 12 weeks, if significant pain and swelling persist, it’s advisable to seek further medical consultation.
Essential Exercises for Foot Fracture Rehabilitation
Engaging in appropriate exercises is crucial for promoting circulation, reducing stiffness, and aiding the healing process. Here are some recommended exercises to perform 3-4 times daily:
- Ankle and foot range of motion exercises (10 repetitions each):
- Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range
- With heels together, move toes apart
Why are these exercises important? They help maintain flexibility, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Remember to perform these exercises without causing excessive pain.
Managing Pain and Swelling: Effective Strategies
Controlling pain and swelling is essential for comfort and optimal healing. Here are some strategies to manage these symptoms:
- Apply cold packs wrapped in a damp towel for up to 15 minutes every few hours
- Elevate the foot above hip level to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed
- Gradually increase weight-bearing activities as tolerated
How does elevation help with swelling? Raising the injured foot above heart level helps reduce fluid accumulation, thereby decreasing swelling and promoting healing.
The Role of Weight-Bearing in Foot Fracture Recovery
Early weight-bearing, or putting weight through the injured foot, plays a crucial role in the healing process. Walking as normally as possible, within the limits of pain, can accelerate recovery. This practice helps stimulate bone healing and prevents muscle atrophy.
When should you start putting weight on a fractured foot? Generally, you can begin weight-bearing as comfort allows, often with the support of a protective boot in the initial stages. However, always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions, as the exact timeline may vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Special Considerations: Diabetes and Smoking
Diabetic Patients and Foot Fractures
For individuals with diabetes, foot fractures require extra attention due to potential complications related to skin health and healing. If you have diabetes and have sustained a foot fracture:
- Contact your healthcare provider to discuss appropriate footwear
- A specialist diabetic boot may be necessary
- Pay close attention to skin condition and report any concerns promptly
The Impact of Smoking on Fracture Healing
Smoking can significantly affect the healing process of fractures. Medical evidence suggests that smoking may:
- Prolong fracture healing time
- In extreme cases, impede healing altogether
Why does smoking affect fracture healing? Smoking reduces blood flow to the bones, depriving them of essential nutrients and oxygen needed for healing. It also increases the risk of complications such as infection.
For optimal recovery, consider quitting smoking during the healing phase. Consult your healthcare provider or visit smoking cessation resources for support and guidance.
When to Seek Further Medical Attention
While most foot fractures heal well with appropriate care, it’s important to recognize when additional medical intervention may be necessary. Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Pain or swelling persists or worsens despite following the rehabilitation plan
- You experience new pain or symptoms in areas other than the original injury site
- You’re unable to progress through the rehabilitation stages as expected
- You have concerns about your recovery or questions about the rehabilitation process
How can you differentiate between normal healing pain and a potential complication? Normal healing pain typically improves gradually over time and with rest. If pain intensifies, persists without improvement, or is accompanied by increased swelling, redness, or warmth, it may indicate a complication requiring medical attention.
Long-Term Outlook and Return to Activities
Understanding the long-term prognosis and timeline for returning to various activities is crucial for patients recovering from foot fractures. Here’s what you can expect:
Residual Symptoms
It’s common to experience mild symptoms for 3-6 months after the initial 6-week healing period. These may include:
- Occasional discomfort or aching, especially after prolonged activity
- Mild swelling, particularly at the end of the day
- Stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Returning to Daily Activities
How soon can you resume normal activities after a foot fracture? The timeline varies depending on the individual and the specific fracture, but generally:
- Light daily activities can often be resumed within 6-8 weeks
- More strenuous activities or sports may require 3-4 months or longer
- Full recovery and return to high-impact activities can take up to 6 months
It’s crucial to listen to your body and progress gradually. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to setbacks in your recovery.
Preventing Future Injuries
After recovering from a foot fracture, taking steps to prevent future injuries is important. Consider the following preventive measures:
- Wear appropriate, supportive footwear for your activities
- Maintain good overall bone health through proper nutrition and exercise
- Practice balance and proprioception exercises to improve foot and ankle stability
- Gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activities
How can you strengthen your feet after a fracture? Once cleared by your healthcare provider, consider exercises such as:
- Toe curls and spreads
- Ankle rotations
- Calf raises
- Balance exercises on one foot
Adapting Your Lifestyle During Recovery
Recovering from a foot fracture often requires temporary lifestyle adjustments. Here are some tips to navigate daily life during your recovery:
Home Modifications
Consider making temporary changes to your living space to ensure safety and convenience:
- Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs or cords
- Install handrails in the bathroom if necessary
- Use a shower chair to avoid slipping
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach
Work Accommodations
Depending on your job, you may need to discuss accommodations with your employer:
- Request temporary desk duties if your job involves standing or walking
- Explore work-from-home options if available
- Use ergonomic supports to keep your foot elevated while sitting
Transportation
Getting around may be challenging, especially in the early stages of recovery:
- Arrange for transportation assistance if you’re unable to drive
- Consider using mobility aids like knee scooters for longer distances
- Be cautious when using public transportation and seek assistance when needed
How can you safely navigate stairs with a foot fracture? When ascending, lead with your uninjured foot. When descending, lead with your injured foot. Always use handrails for support and take one step at a time.
Nutrition and Hydration for Optimal Healing
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in bone healing and overall recovery. Focus on the following dietary aspects:
Key Nutrients for Bone Health
- Calcium: Found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods
- Vitamin D: Obtained through sunlight exposure and foods like fatty fish and egg yolks
- Protein: Essential for tissue repair, found in lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes
- Vitamin C: Supports collagen formation, abundant in citrus fruits and bell peppers
Hydration
Staying well-hydrated is crucial for overall health and can aid in reducing swelling. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, adjusting based on your activity level and climate.
Why is protein important for fracture healing? Protein provides the building blocks necessary for bone and soft tissue repair. Adequate protein intake can help accelerate the healing process and maintain muscle mass during periods of reduced activity.
Emotional Well-being During Recovery
The recovery process from a foot fracture can be challenging not just physically, but emotionally as well. It’s important to address the psychological aspects of healing:
Managing Frustration and Impatience
- Set realistic expectations for your recovery timeline
- Celebrate small milestones in your healing journey
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation
Staying Connected and Active
- Maintain social connections through phone calls, video chats, or safe in-person visits
- Engage in hobbies or activities that don’t require foot mobility
- Consider low-impact exercises approved by your healthcare provider, such as seated strength training or swimming (once the fracture has sufficiently healed)
Seeking Support
Don’t hesitate to seek emotional support if you’re struggling with the recovery process:
- Talk to friends and family about your experiences
- Consider joining a support group for individuals recovering from injuries
- Consult with a mental health professional if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of depression or anxiety
How can staying positive impact your recovery? A positive mindset can reduce stress, improve pain management, and motivate you to adhere to your rehabilitation plan, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Long-term Foot Care After Fracture Recovery
Even after your foot fracture has healed, ongoing care is important to maintain foot health and prevent future injuries:
Regular Check-ups
- Schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider as recommended
- Have your foot and gait assessed to identify any lingering issues
- Address any persistent pain or functional limitations promptly
Footwear Considerations
Proper footwear is crucial for long-term foot health:
- Choose shoes with adequate support and cushioning
- Replace athletic shoes regularly, especially if you’re active
- Consider custom orthotics if recommended by your healthcare provider
Ongoing Exercise and Stretching
Maintain foot and ankle strength and flexibility through regular exercises:
- Continue with foot and ankle strengthening exercises
- Incorporate balance and proprioception training into your routine
- Stretch your feet, ankles, and calves regularly
Why is ongoing foot care important after a fracture? Proper long-term care can help prevent re-injury, address any residual issues from the fracture, and maintain overall foot health and function.
By following these comprehensive guidelines and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can navigate the recovery process from a foot fracture effectively. Remember that healing takes time, and patience is key to achieving the best possible outcome. With proper care and attention, most individuals can return to their normal activities and enjoy good foot health following a fracture.
Foot fracture – 3 weeks in a boot · Virtual Fracture Clinic
This information will guide you through the next 6 weeks of your rehabilitation. Use the video or information below to gain a better understanding of your injury and what can be done to maximise your recovery.
Healing: | This injury normally takes 6 weeks to heal. |
Pain and Swelling: | The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating your foot will help. Take pain killers as prescribed. |
Walking:
| You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages. The boot you have been given is for your comfort only and is not needed to aid fracture healing but will help to settle your symptoms. |
Follow up:
| We do not routinely follow up patients with this type of injury. If after six weeks you are: Please do not hesitate to contact us for a further consultation. |
Picture of bones in the foot
If you are worried that you are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.
Or, if you are experiencing pain or symptoms, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, please get in touch using the telephone or e-mail details at the top of this letter.
What to expect
Weeks since injury | Rehabilitation plan |
0-3 | If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night and when resting at home and to wash. Start your exercises straight away to maintain and improve your movement. |
3-6 | X Try to stop using the boot and to walk without crutches. Start around your house first, then try outside. You may want to wear the boot if you go on a longer walk. Continue your exercises to regain the flexibility of your foot. |
6 -12 | Your injury is healed. You can begin to resume normal, day-to-day activities but be guided by any pain you experience. X Heavy tasks or long walks may still cause some discomfort and swelling. |
12 | If you are still experiencing significant pain and swelling then please contact the Fracture Care Team for advice. |
Advice for a new injury
Cold packs: A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short term pain relief. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours ensuring the ice is never in direct contact with the skin.
Rest and Elevation: Try to rest the foot for the first 24-72 hours to allow the early stage of healing to begin. Raise your ankle above the level of your hips to reduce swelling. You can use pillows or a stool to keep your foot up
Early movement and exercise: Early movement of the ankle and foot is important to promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a DVT (blood clot). Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will ensure your ankle and foot do not become too stiff. These exercises will help the healing process.
Early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps increase the speed of healing. Try to walk as normally as possible as this will help with your recovery.
Smoking advice
Medical evidence suggests that smoking prolongs fracture healing time. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. It is important that you consider this information with relation to your recent injury. Stopping smoking during the healing phase of your fracture will help ensure optimal recovery from this injury.
For advice on smoking cessation and local support available, please refer to the following website: http://smokefree. nhs.uk or discuss this with your GP.
Boot advice
Diabetic patients: If you are diabetic please contact us to discuss your boot. This is particularly important if you have problems with your skin. We can provide you with a specialist diabetic boot if required.
Footwear for your uninjured foot: We would recommend choosing a supportive shoe or trainer with a firm sole for your uninjured foot. You will notice that the boot you have been given has a thicker sole, by matching this height on the uninjured side you will reduce any stress on your other joints.
Exercises
Initial exercises to do 3-4 times a day
Ankle and foot range of movement exercises. Repeat these 10 times each.
- Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
- With your heels together, move your toes apart, as shown in the picture.
- Make circles with your foot in one direction and then change direction.
How Long Does It Take For a Foot Fracture to Heal
If you’ve stumbled down some stairs, been in a motor vehicle accident or even overtrained for a marathon, you could have sustained a foot fracture. Foot fractures vary in type, severity, and recovery time. Here’s more on this common podiatric problem and how long it takes for a foot fracture to fully heal.
Types of Foot Fractures
Fracturing or breaking, one or more bones in your foot can vary in severity. Stubbing and breaking a little toe, while painful, may require nothing more than bandaging to the adjoining toe.
However, more serious fractures can happen if you drop something heavy on your foot if you’re in a car accident (particularly a front-end crash), or if you train too strenuously for a sporting event. Osteoporosis and other degenerative bone conditions can also lead to fractures.
In general, the most common foot fractures that podiatrists see are:
- Tarsal fractures, involving the seven bones at the posterior end of the foot and make up the ankle
- Metatarsal fractures, located on the long bones in the midfoot
- Lisfranc fractures, involving the juncture between the metatarsal bones and the tarsals
- Calcanealfractures, involving the heel bone (calcaneus)
Symptoms of Foot Fractures
Get medical attention immediately if you suspect you have a foot fracture. Concerning symptoms include:
- Throbbing pain
- Continuous, intense pain
- Tenderness when touching the injured area
- Pain that eases at rest and worsens with activity
- Inability to bear weight on the foot
- Swelling and bruising
- Noticeable foot deformity
If you do not have most of these symptoms and your pain is not as intense as described above, you may only have a sprain rather than a fracture. Sprains can often be healed with at-home remedies, such as the RICE method, a tried and true first aid protocol:
Rest the foot (get off of it)
Ice the Injured area
Compress with an ACE bandage
Elevate the foot above the level of your heart
However, it is always best to see a foot and ankle surgeon when you have a foot or ankle injury. Often, the only way to distinguish a sprain from a fracture is to get an X-ray and an evaluation from a foot and ankle surgeon. Foot fractures that heal without medical intervention can produce a deformity and you can lose mobility in your foot.
Treatment Options for Foot Fractures
Your foot and ankle doctor will evaluate your foot and recommend treatment options if it is indeed fractured. Your plan will be customized according to your injury, age, mobility, and overall health.
In general, most foot fractures require immobilizing and keeping your body weight off the broken foot using a walking boot, cast, crutches, or a combination of these. Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process because it helps regain muscular strength and balance. Plus, if your bones are brittle due to osteoporosis or other bone density problem, your podiatric team may advise taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to improve bone health.
For more problematic fractures, your foot doctor may use local anesthesia to numb your foot and manually realign displaced bone ends. Many breaks need surgical fixation with pins, wires, screws, or plates which may or may not remain in place permanently.
Healing Time for Foot Fractures
Foot fractures do take time and patience to heal completely. In general, you may expect full healing within three to six months. Your podiatrist will X-ray your foot to confirm this.
However, healing times do vary with age and overall health. For instance, a child’s bone will heal far more rapidly than his grandmother’s.
Additionally, there are several health and lifestyle factors that can slow down healing. These include:
- Smoking
- Poor nutritional status
- Advanced age
- Use of medications, such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids
- Vascular health problems or diabetes
- Walking on the fracture before it is fully healed
Your podiatrist can give you an approximate timeline for treatment and complete healing.
Foot & Ankle Institute of New England
Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons are Dr. Candace Criscione, Dr. Robert Gallucci, and Dr. Stephen Rogers. All three of them have extensive skill and experience in treating lower extremity injuries, including foot fractures.
If you think you’ve broken your foot, please contact one of our three locations for an accurate assessment and care plan. We have offices in Fall River, MA, as well as Warwick and Middletown, RI, for your convenience. Call the location nearest you or request your visit here. We look forward to caring for your foot and ankle needs!
treatment and recovery from injury
A calcaneus fracture is not as common as a fracture of the tibia or radius in a typical location. Medical statistics state that this type of bone damage accounts for 3% of all fractures.
Our ancestors moved mainly on four limbs. However, in the process of evolution, a person began to walk on two legs, which led to a shift in the center of gravity. As a result, the feet began to experience a greater load, because now they have to bear the weight of the whole body. If a person is obese, this pressure becomes even greater. With a load during simple walking or running in a healthy person, they can easily cope. However, problems can arise in the event of sudden jumps or falls from a height. One of the bones that may not be able to withstand such loads is the calcaneus.
Recovery in this case will play a significant role, because a relapse can greatly complicate life and it will take a very long time to return to normal life. Here, physiotherapeutic procedures and special orthopedic shoes will play a great role.
Causes of bone fracture
1. A fracture of the limb bone most often occurs as a result of a fall on the legs from a great height. Moreover, the severity of damage will not always depend only on the height of the fall. For example, the position of the foot upon landing will determine in which direction the fragments will move.
2. The cause of injury, in addition to falling from a height, can be a very powerful blow or strong squeezing.
How to determine a fracture?
Calcaneal fractures are characterized by pain in the area of damage and the inability to load the foot. Attention is drawn to the valgus and varus deformity of the heel, the expansion of the heel region, swelling of the foot, the presence of characteristic bruising in the heel region and on the plantar surface of the foot. The arches of the foot are flattened. Active movements in the ankle joint due to soft tissue edema and tension of the calcaneal tendon are sharply limited, and in the subtalar joint are impossible.
In the case of a fall from a height with a landing on the heel tubercles, combined injuries of the heel bones and spine are possible. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct an X-ray examination even in the absence of complaints in the first days after the injury. Associated fractures account for 9.9 to 12% of all calcaneus fractures.
Most common injuries:
1. no offset;
2. with offset;
3. multifragmented fractures;
4. fracture of the medial or lateral process.
Treatment
Calcaneal fractures without displacement are treated conservatively by a traumatologist. Immobilization is carried out with a plaster splint from the knee to the toes for a period of 3-8 weeks. Regardless of the absence or presence of displacement of the fragments, the patient is strictly forbidden to step on the leg on admission, since early loading can cause secondary displacement of the fragments. Subsequently prescribed exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage. The patient is advised to wear orthopedic shoes with arch supports for at least 6 months.
In case of a displaced calcaneus fracture, reduction is performed under local anesthesia. Of particular difficulty is the treatment of multicomminuted compression fractures of the body of the calcaneus, accompanied by a large displacement of bone fragments, damage to the articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus. If closed reposition is ineffective, osteosynthesis is performed using the Ilizarov apparatus. Extraosseous and intraosseous metal structures should be used with caution due to the high risk of complications.
In the late period after calcaneal fractures, post-traumatic flat feet, foot deformities, arthrosis of the Chopard joint and subtalar joint often develop. Perhaps the formation of bone protrusions that violate the supporting function of the limb.
Depending on the type of calcaneus fracture, rehabilitation can take from three months to two years. The beginning of the rehabilitation period can also begin at different times. Usually, the first foot movements are resolved from the moment when they do not cause severe pain.
The problem of treating fractures has always been significant, both for the individual and for society. In all human civilizations, there is an analogue of the profession of “chiropractor” – a person who is professionally engaged in the restoration of broken limbs of people and animals. Thus, in the analysis of 36 Neanderthal skeletons with fractures, only 11 fracture treatment results were found to be unsatisfactory. This shows that even at this level of development, the effectiveness of medical care for fractures exceeded 70%, primitive people knew about fractures and knew how to treat them.
1. Massage. It can be done even before the doctor removes the plaster cast: the masseur develops places near the plaster. The main task of the method is to increase blood circulation. At first, the patient may experience discomfort. This is a normal reaction, but it is better to report it to a specialist.
2. Therapeutic exercise. Particular attention is paid to the method if the fracture was displaced. The first simple exercises can be performed after the bone heals: the patient flexes and unbends the fingers, rotates, flexes and unbends the foot, pulls the toe in and out, walks on toes and heels, rolls the ball with the foot, etc. Severe pain after a heel fracture should not be: if the patient feels discomfort, then the training should be interrupted and the doctor should be informed about his condition.
3. Physiotherapy. They improve blood circulation, lymph circulation, relieve pain, inflammation, normalize metabolism, start regeneration processes and contribute to faster bone and soft tissue recovery. The doctor may prescribe electro- and phonophoresis, laser treatment, UHF, etc.
4. Hydrotherapy. Usually, the doctor prescribes warming baths that restore muscle tone and normalize blood circulation.
5. Proper nutrition. The diet should contain foods high in calcium, silicon and magnesium.
6. Wearing orthoses and orthopedic shoes. Soft, rigid and semi-rigid orthoses reduce swelling and avoid muscle atrophy. And special insoles allow you to properly distribute the load on the foot, so that it gets less tired. They wear orthopedic shoes for at least six months, the exact recommendations are given by the doctor.
The patient is considered healthy if he can stand on the injured leg, walk and move without pain and any restrictions.
Special products for recovery
Modern orthoses, bandages and other orthopedic products for the foot and ankle can make life much easier during the recovery period. Rehabilitation will be more efficient, and complications will be minimized.
In addition, modern special products are characterized by modern design, high functionality, as well as provide maximum comfort and a high recovery effect when using them. We must not forget about the use of high-quality orthopedic shoes during the recovery period.
A person has only one life, so you should take care of your health and do not neglect the recommendations of specialists.
WARNING! All information posted on this site is advisory in nature. In each individual case, consultation with a specialist is necessary.
January 9, 2019
Heel fracture. Effective Treatment and Recovery of Injury
The heel bone has a very important function as it supports the foot, helping to maintain body weight while walking and standing. However, there are times when a heel fracture occurs. This injury can quite spoil life, turning a person’s movement into a slow crawl. In such an incident, professional treatment is required with mandatory subsequent rehabilitation.
Recovery in this case will play a significant role, because a relapse can greatly complicate life and it will take a very long time to return to normal life. Here, physiotherapeutic procedures and special orthopedic shoes will play a great role.
Causes of bone fracture
1. A fracture of a limb bone most often occurs as a result of a fall on the legs from a great height. Moreover, the severity of damage will not always depend only on the height of the fall. For example, the position of the foot upon landing will determine in which direction the fragments will move.
2. Injury other than falling from a height can be caused by a very hard blow or a strong crush.
How to identify a fault?
A broken heel bone will present itself with hemorrhage, pain and swelling. The result of this is an increase in the volume of soft tissues. Attempts to step on the damaged area will cause sharp pain.
If there is a displacement of the bones, then thickening of the foot can be observed – this is a characteristic symptom.
Symptoms and manifestations:
1. discomfort and pain at the site of injury;
2. hemorrhage;
3. pronounced tumor;
4. deformation;
5. bruising;
6. sharp pain;
7. it is impossible to step on the injured limb;
8. limited movement of the leg in the ankle joint.
But the final confirmation of the diagnosis can only be obtained by X-ray results.
Consequences
Most often, a bone fracture is of a closed type. If there is a displacement, then such an injury is classified as a dangerous and complex type, since there is a high risk of injury to the tissues that are located next to the bone.
1. no offset;
2. offset;
3. multicomminuted fractures;
4. fracture of the medial or lateral process.
In some cases, if there is a fall from a great height, there is a possibility of injury not only with bone displacement, but also with damage to the spine.
That is why experts recommend taking x-rays in any case, even if the victim has no complaints.
Treatment of injury
There are two ways to return the victim to normal life:
1. conservative;
2. operational.
However, there is no consensus on the choice of the best way to return the limbs to their previous functions. Since there are quite a few types of fractures of this bone, the surgeon in each case, based on x-ray images and analyzes, makes an individual decision.
Physician’s action:
1. No damaged structures and no displacement. Impose a circular plaster bandage. A metal arch support and a stirrup are put into the bandage. Gradual loading is allowed only from the 4th week. After 7-8 weeks, the plaster is removed. The patient’s ability to work is restored after about 3 months. It is recommended to use an arch support for about 6 months.
2. No damaged structures, but there is displacement. One-stage manual reposition is performed with local anesthesia. After reposition, a circular bandage with a stirrup and arch support is installed for up to 12 weeks. Gradual loading is allowed only from the 8th week. After 4 months, the person’s ability to work is restored. It is recommended to use an arch support for about 6 months.
3. There is an injury to the joints, no displacement. Immobilization is carried out using a circular plaster bandage with careful modeling of the arch. The bandage is removed after 8 weeks. Gradual loading with an arch support is allowed only from 9th week, after 12 weeks – complete. Ability to work is restored after 4 months, however, it is recommended to use an arch support for 1 year.
4. There is trauma to the joints and displacement. Here, a repositioning procedure is required. Permanent skeletal traction is also prescribed. A needle is inserted through the heel, and adhesive traction is applied to its front section. This lasts 6 weeks.
Traction immobilizes for up to 8 weeks with a circular cast. Gradual loading will be allowed after 2 weeks, and the resumption of working capacity only after 5 months.
Rehabilitation
This is the most important stage, because if you do not follow the doctor’s recommendations and do not take care of the injured limb, using special tools and appropriate orthopedic shoes, then serious consequences can occur:
1. Fracture recurrence;
2. Foot deformity;
3. Bony projections;
4. Deforming arthrosis;
5. Appearance of lameness;
6. Post-traumatic flat feet and so on.
These consequences can significantly complicate a person’s life, so you should take care of high-quality orthopedic products. This will allow you to recover faster and without complications.
Specialized Recovery Products
Modern orthoses, braces and other orthopedic products for the foot and ankle can make life much easier during the recovery period. Rehabilitation will be more efficient, and complications will be minimized.