What are the common symptoms of a broken leg. How is a broken leg diagnosed and treated. What are the potential complications of a broken leg. How long does it take to recover from a broken leg. What can be done to prevent broken legs.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Leg

The human leg consists of four main bones, each playing a crucial role in our mobility and stability. Let’s explore these bones in detail:

• Femur: The thighbone, longest and strongest in the body
• Patella: The kneecap, connecting thigh muscle to tibia
• Tibia: The shinbone, supporting body weight
• Fibula: The smaller bone running alongside the tibia

The femur, extending from the hip to the knee, is a remarkable bone. How does it contribute to our movement? The upper part forms the hip joint, allowing for a wide range of motion including forward, backward, and sideways movements, as well as rotation. The lower end forms part of the knee joint, enabling the leg to swing and rotate slightly.

The patella, or kneecap, serves dual purposes. What functions does this small bone perform? It acts as a connector between the thigh muscle and tibia while also providing protection to the knee joint. This unique positioning allows for smooth knee movement and added stability.

Moving down the leg, we encounter the tibia, commonly known as the shinbone. Why is the tibia so important? As the primary weight-bearing bone in the lower leg, it plays a crucial role in supporting our body’s weight during standing, walking, and running.

Lastly, the fibula, though smaller than its counterpart, is no less significant. Running alongside the tibia, it provides attachment points for muscles and helps stabilize the ankle joint. The lower ends of both the tibia and fibula, along with foot bones, ligaments, and tendons, form the complex structure of the ankle.

Types of Leg Fractures: Understanding the Breaks

Leg fractures can occur in various ways, resulting in different types of breaks. The nature of the break depends on the force applied and the manner in which the bone breaks. Here are some common types of leg fractures:

1. Comminuted fracture: The bone breaks into three or more pieces
2. Compression fracture: The bone is crushed
3. Greenstick fracture: An incomplete fracture where the bone isn’t fully separated
4. Oblique fracture: A diagonal break across the bone
5. Segmental fracture: The bone breaks into two pieces, creating a “floating” segment
6. Spiral fracture: A spiraled break, often resulting from a twisting injury

What distinguishes an open fracture from other types? An open fracture, also known as a compound fracture, occurs when the broken bone is visible through the skin, either due to a cut over the fracture site or the bone protruding through the skin. These fractures require immediate medical attention due to the risk of infection.

The Unique Case of Femur Fractures

Femur fractures deserve special attention due to the bone’s size and strength. Why are femur fractures considered severe? Breaking the femur requires a significant amount of force, making such fractures often obvious and typically resulting from high-impact incidents. The symptoms are usually pronounced, including severe pain, visible deformity, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg.

Recognizing Broken Leg Symptoms: Key Indicators

Identifying a broken leg promptly is crucial for timely treatment. While some fractures may be obvious, others might require medical imaging for accurate diagnosis. What are the telltale signs of a broken leg?

• Pain: Severe pain that intensifies with movement and subsides when still
• Swelling: Noticeable swelling around the injured area
• Bruising: Discoloration of the skin around the fracture site
• Deformity: Visible changes in leg shape or alignment
• Inability to walk: Difficulty or impossibility in bearing weight on the affected leg
• Tenderness: Pain when gentle pressure is applied to the area

How can leg deformities manifest in case of a fracture? Broken legs may exhibit the following changes in form:

• Rotation: The leg below the break appears twisted
• Angulation: The leg bends at the fracture site instead of at a joint
• Shortening: The broken leg looks shorter compared to the unaffected leg

Recognizing Broken Legs in Children and Toddlers

Identifying a broken leg in young children can be challenging as they may not articulate their pain clearly. What signs should parents look for? Children with leg fractures might cry inconsolably or suddenly stop walking without providing a clear reason. It’s essential to seek medical attention if a child shows unusual behavior or reluctance to use their leg.

Common Causes of Broken Legs: Understanding the Risks

Leg fractures typically result from significant force applied to the bone. However, weakened bones may break more easily. What are the primary causes of broken legs?

• Vehicle accidents: High-impact collisions can cause severe leg fractures
• Falls: Particularly from heights or during sports activities
• Sports injuries: Contact sports or activities with high risk of falls
• Direct blows: A powerful hit to the leg can cause a fracture
• Overuse: Repetitive stress can lead to stress fractures, especially in athletes
• Underlying conditions: Osteoporosis or bone cancer can weaken bones, making them more susceptible to fractures

How do underlying conditions increase the risk of leg fractures? Conditions like osteoporosis decrease bone density, making bones more fragile and prone to breaking under less force. Similarly, bone cancer can weaken the bone structure, increasing the likelihood of fractures even from minor impacts.

Diagnosing a Broken Leg: Medical Approaches

Accurate diagnosis of a leg fracture is crucial for appropriate treatment. How do medical professionals diagnose a broken leg?

1. Physical examination: The doctor will assess the injured area for swelling, deformity, and tenderness
2. Medical history: Information about the injury circumstances and patient’s overall health is gathered
3. Imaging tests: X-rays are the primary tool for diagnosing bone fractures
4. Advanced imaging: In some cases, CT scans or MRIs may be necessary for detailed views

Why are X-rays the go-to method for diagnosing fractures? X-rays provide clear images of bone structures, allowing doctors to identify the location, type, and severity of the fracture. They also help in determining the best treatment approach.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While some minor fractures might not be immediately apparent, certain symptoms warrant urgent medical care. When should you seek emergency medical attention for a suspected broken leg?

• Visible bone protruding through the skin
• Severe pain that doesn’t subside with rest
• Significant swelling or bruising
• Inability to bear any weight on the affected leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Signs of infection such as fever or redness around the injury site

Treatment Options for Broken Legs: From Conservative to Surgical

The treatment of a broken leg depends on the location, type, and severity of the fracture. What are the primary treatment approaches for leg fractures?

1. Immobilization: Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in proper alignment during healing
2. Traction: Applying a pulling force to align the bone fragments
3. Closed reduction: Manually realigning the bone without surgery
4. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Surgical procedure to realign bones and secure them with metal plates, screws, or rods
5. External fixation: Using an external frame to hold bone fragments in place
6. Pain management: Medications to control pain and inflammation
7. Physical therapy: Rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and mobility

How does the choice of treatment depend on the fracture type? Simple fractures may only require immobilization with a cast, while complex or open fractures often necessitate surgical intervention. The goal is always to promote proper healing and restore function.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. How does physical therapy contribute to healing from a broken leg? It helps in regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected leg. Therapists design personalized exercise programs to gradually increase weight-bearing capacity and improve overall leg function.

Potential Complications of Broken Legs: What to Watch For

While most leg fractures heal without issues, complications can arise. What are the potential complications associated with broken legs?

• Compartment syndrome: Dangerous increase in pressure within muscle compartments
• Infection: Particularly in open fractures or after surgery
• Malunion: Improper healing leading to bone deformity
• Nonunion: Failure of the bone to heal properly
• Arthritis: Long-term joint issues, especially if the fracture involved a joint
• Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis due to immobilization
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: From the initial injury or during treatment

What makes compartment syndrome a medical emergency? Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling or bleeding increases pressure within a muscle compartment, potentially cutting off blood supply to muscles and nerves. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent muscle and nerve damage.

Recognizing Signs of Complications

Early recognition of complications is vital for successful treatment. What signs should patients and caregivers watch for during recovery?

• Increasing pain that’s not relieved by prescribed medications
• Numbness or tingling in the affected limb
• Excessive swelling or color changes in the leg or foot
• Fever or signs of infection around surgical sites or pin sites
• Persistent stiffness or inability to move joints as expected during recovery

Recovery and Rehabilitation: The Path to Healing

Recovery from a broken leg is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. How long does it typically take to recover from a leg fracture? The healing time varies depending on the severity of the fracture, the bone involved, and individual factors such as age and overall health. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for the bone to heal, with full recovery of strength and function potentially taking several months.

What does the typical recovery process involve?

1. Initial immobilization period: Keeping the leg still to allow the bone to begin healing
2. Gradual weight-bearing: Slowly increasing the amount of weight put on the leg as directed by the doctor
3. Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
4. Pain management: Gradually reducing reliance on pain medications
5. Return to activities: Slowly reintroducing normal activities and potentially modifying some to prevent re-injury

The Importance of Following Medical Advice

Why is it crucial to follow medical advice during recovery? Adhering to your doctor’s instructions helps ensure proper healing, reduces the risk of complications, and can lead to a faster return to normal activities. This includes attending all follow-up appointments, following weight-bearing instructions, and participating in prescribed physical therapy sessions.

Preventing Broken Legs: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While not all leg fractures are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. What are some effective strategies for preventing broken legs?

• Maintain bone health: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• Exercise regularly: Weight-bearing exercises help strengthen bones
• Use proper safety equipment: Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and activities
• Create a safe home environment: Remove tripping hazards and ensure good lighting
• Practice fall prevention: Especially important for older adults
• Drive safely: Always wear seatbelts and follow traffic rules
• Address underlying health conditions: Manage conditions that may weaken bones, like osteoporosis

How does regular exercise contribute to preventing leg fractures? Weight-bearing exercises and resistance training help maintain and increase bone density, making bones stronger and more resistant to fractures. Additionally, these exercises improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls that could lead to fractures.

Special Considerations for Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes and highly active individuals may be at higher risk for certain types of leg fractures, particularly stress fractures. What additional precautions should these individuals take?

• Proper training techniques: Gradually increase intensity and duration of workouts
• Adequate rest and recovery: Allow time for bones and muscles to recover between intense activities
• Appropriate footwear: Use shoes designed for specific activities to provide proper support
• Balanced nutrition: Ensure sufficient calorie and nutrient intake to support bone health
• Cross-training: Vary activities to prevent overuse injuries

By implementing these preventive strategies and maintaining overall bone health, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a broken leg. However, it’s important to remember that accidents can still happen, and prompt medical attention is crucial if a leg injury occurs.

Broken Leg: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is a Broken Leg?
• Types of Leg Breaks
• Broken Leg Symptoms
• Broken Leg Causes
• Broken Leg Diagnosis
• Broken Leg Treatment
• Broken Leg Complications
• Follow-Up
• Broken Leg Prevention
• Broken Leg Recovery
• More

A broken leg is when you break one of the bones in your leg. It can happen lots of ways, like falling or getting into a car accident.

Your leg has four bones (the femur, the patella, the tibia, and the fibula). If there’s an accident, any one of these bones may break (fracture) into two or more pieces.

• Femur. This is the bone in your thigh. It’s the longest and strongest bone in your body. The upper part of the femur fits into the pelvis (the bone that supports your spinal column) to form the hip joint. At this joint, it can move frontward, backward, sideways, and even rotate in and out. When people speak of a “broken hip,” it’s this upper part of the femur that’s broken. The lower end of the femur rests on top of the tibia, forming the knee joint. At the knee, the leg can swing frontward, backward, and even rotate slightly.
• Patella. The kneecap (patella) glides back and forth in front of the knee joint. The kneecap connects your thigh muscle to the tibia. It also helps protect your knee.
• Tibia. This is the shinbone. It supports your body’s weight.
• Fibula. The bone runs alongside the tibia below your knee. It’s on the outside part of the leg and is smaller than the tibia.

The ankle is made up of the bottom ends of the tibia and fibula, the connecting foot bones, and the ligaments and tendons. Serious twisting injuries to the ankle can result in fractures of the tibia or fibula near or within the ankle joint.

There are many types of breaks. What type you have depends on the force it takes to break and the way it breaks.

Types of breaks include:

• Comminuted, when the bone breaks in three or more pieces and there are fragments where the bone broke
• Compression, when the bone is crushed
• Greenstick, when the broken bone isn’t completely separated (an incomplete fracture)
• Oblique, when the bone break is diagonal
• Segmental, when the bone is broken in two pieces (meaning there’s a “floating” part of bone)
• Spiral, when the bone break is spiraled, usually because of a twisting injury

If you can see the bone when it’s broken — either because there’s a cut over the fracture or the bone is sticking out through the skin — it’s called an open fracture. This is sometimes called a compound fracture.

Breaking your femur takes a lot of force, so it’ll probably be obvious if you break it. The major symptoms of a broken leg are pain, swelling, and deformity. Less obvious breaks might need an X-ray to diagnose.

Signs you might have a broken leg are:

• Bruising
• Not being able to walk
• Serious pain that gets worse when you move and gets better when you’re still
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• A change in the form of your leg

If a leg is broken, it can change form in the following ways:

• Rotation: The leg below the break is twisted.
• Angulation: The leg bends at the break instead of at the joint.
• Shortening: The broken leg appears shorter than the unaffected leg.

If you think your child or toddler might have a broken leg, they might cry or stop walking on it without saying why.

When to seek medical care

Some parts of your leg may be broken and still seem like a bad strain. This happens a lot with injuries around the ankle, or sometimes with the fibula, the little bone next to the shinbone.

Call your doctor if:

• You can’t walk without being in a lot of pain
• It hurts when you push on the bony parts of the leg
• You’re worried you might have a broken leg, even if you’re unsure

If you think you or someone else has a broken leg, go to an emergency room for further evaluation. If you can’t walk, you should call 911 for an ambulance.

If you’ve recently had surgery, or had a splint or cast placed already, return to the hospital right away if you have these problems:

• Loss of muscle strength or numbness in the leg or foot. Some loss of strength is common because of the pain of the fracture, but if you notice you’re quickly losing strength, having numbness, or suddenly have a lot of pain that doesn’t go away with your pain medication, it could be a sign of a “compartment syndrome.” Compartment syndrome happens when swelling gets so serious in your leg that it cuts off blood flow to it. This can cause damage to the muscles and nerves in your leg.
• Redness, fever, lots of swelling or pain, and pus draining from a surgical cut are all signs of possible wound infection.

It usually takes quite a bit of force to break bones in your leg. If your bones have been weakened somehow, they can be broken more easily. If the amount of force put on a bone is greater than the amount it can handle, the bone will break.

Some of the ways your leg may break include:

• Car or motorcycle accidents. You can break the bones in your leg when your knee hits the dashboard during a car crash. It’s possible to break all three of the bones in your leg when you get into an accident.
• Falls. Falling, especially from somewhere high, can break one or both of the bones in your lower leg, but falling usually won’t break your thighbone (femur).
• Overuse. It’s possible to get stress fractures — tiny cracks in your bones — when you put pressure on them often, like with long-distance running. Stress fractures can also happen with activities like ballet and basketball.
• Sports injuries. Getting hit during contact sports, like martial arts or football, can cause broken bones, too. So can hyperextending your leg.

In children, child abuse can break leg bones. If a child can’t walk and has a broken leg, that could be a sign of child abuse.

An injury can also cause a bone to break if your bones are weakened by diseases or conditions, including:

• Bone cysts
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Tumors

The doctor will check your leg for signs of a break (fracture). If the doctor thinks a bone has been broken, they’ll order X-rays.

The doctor also will look for signs that an artery or nerve was damaged or injured. To do this, they’ll feel for pulses and test your strength and sense of touch below the injury.

If the doctor suspects some other medical condition has weakened the bone, leading to the fracture, other lab tests may be ordered.

It’s often tough to diagnose stress fractures, and special studies beyond X-rays may be needed.

If you have a broken leg, you’ll need to take care of it right away when you’re at home.

Treating a broken leg at home

If an injury happens and you suspect a break, remember the following:

• Keep your leg as still as possible until help arrives.
• Rest. Try to keep from making the injury worse.
• Put an ice pack wrapped in a pillowcase or towel on your leg to ease swelling.
• If possible, keep your leg raised with pillows or cushions to reduce swelling.
• Often with a broken leg, surgery is necessary. For this reason, don’t let someone with a broken leg eat or drink anything until seen by the doctor. Always ask the doctor if it would be OK to eat before doing so.

Medical treatment for a broken leg

The type and location of a break in a leg bone will determine what treatment is needed.

• If the bones have become displaced or out of alignment, they’ll need to be put back into alignment. This procedure is called “reduction.” To do this, you’ll be given medications for pain before the procedure.
• An emergency doctor will be able to treat many types of fractures with a temporary brace or plaster splint and will tell you to follow up with an orthopedic doctor (bone specialist). Fractures of the thigh bone or the shinbone typically will need further care by an orthopedist right away. This may mean a cast or even an operation.
• Your bones will be kept from moving so they can heal using several methods:
  • Setting your leg: When you first get diagnosed, a doctor will keep your leg still with a splint. Your doctor might keep the splint on for a day to let the swelling go down.
  • Immobilization: Next, your doctor might use a splint or cast to stop your bones from moving around. You might also need crutches or a cane to get around easier. If that’s the case, you’ll probably use your crutches or cane for about 6-8 weeks.
  • Medications and treatment: Your doctor might suggest you take over-the-counter pain medication (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to help with the pain and swelling. But if your pain is severe, they might give you stronger painkillers.
  • Therapy: Once your leg heals and the doctor takes off your cast or splint, you’ll probably need some sort of therapy. Therapy will help your leg get back to normal, since your muscles will have weakened. It can take a few months or longer for your leg to heal completely.
  • Surgery: Although a cast or splint is usually all most broken bones need, you could need surgery, depending on your break. If you need surgery, pins, screws, and metal plates or wires are usually used to hold together the broken ends of a bone. For fractures in the middle part of the thigh bone (femur) or the shinbone (tibia), a metal rod sometimes is placed down through the center of the bone. This is done in the operating room.

Although not everyone will have other problems that stem from breaking their leg, some complications are possible, including:

• Arthritis. Your break can cause arthritis to pop up years later.
• Blood vessel or nerve damage. When you break your leg, you could also damage the blood vessels or nerves that are nearby.
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis). If you had an open fracture, that means the bone was exposed to the outside air, including germs and fungi. Those could give you an infection in your bone.
• Compartment syndrome. Swelling, pain, and sometimes disability in the muscle near the break can happen with this rare condition. It’s more common with car accidents because it’s considered a “high-impact” injury.
• Delayed or poor healing. A serious broken leg might not heal quickly. It also might never fully heal, depending on the break. This is more common if you have an open fracture involving your tibia, since there’s less blood flow to the bone.
• Legs that are different sizes. If your child breaks a leg, one leg could end up shorter than the other. This is because children’s bones are still growing. But this is rare, especially with the right treatment
• Pain in your ankle or knee. Your ankles or knees could hurt because of your break.

From the emergency department, you will usually need to follow up with an orthopedic doctor. This bone specialist will guide you in further appointments and rehabilitation as necessary.

To lessen your risk of injury from a car accident, use a seat belt. For children, use a safety seat appropriate for the child’s age and weight.

• If you play sports that involve high speeds or heights, play only at your experience level and use the right protective gear.
• Use assistance, like a walker or cane, as instructed by your doctor, if you are at risk for falling or have an unsteady walk.
• Talk to your doctor about screening for diseases that may weaken bones.

If treated promptly and properly, a broken leg usually will regain normal function. How severe the injury is and your age will play roles in how you recover. For instance, an elderly person with a hip fracture may have a hard time getting their strength and mobility back.

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Broken leg – NHS

A broken leg (leg fracture) will be severely painful and may be swollen or bruised. You usually will not be able to walk on it.

If it’s a severe fracture, the leg may be an odd shape and the bone may even be poking out of the skin.

There may have been a “crack” sound when the leg was broken, and the shock and pain of breaking your leg may cause you to feel faint, dizzy or sick.

What to do

If you think you or someone else has broken their leg, go immediately to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

Call 999 for an ambulance if the injury seems severe or you’re not able to get to A&E quickly.

While you make your way to A&E or wait for an ambulance:

• avoid moving the injured leg as much as possible – keep it straight and put a cushion or clothing underneath to support it
• do not try to realign any bones that are out of place
• cover any open wounds with a sterile dressing, a clean cloth or a clean item of clothing – maintain direct pressure on the wound if it is bleeding

If the person is pale, cold and sweaty (in shock), lie them down and keep them warm and calm until you can get medical help.

How a broken leg is treated

Immobilisation

First, a healthcare professional will give you painkillers and may fix a splint to your leg to secure it in position and prevent further damage.

For severe pain, you may be given painkilling gas through a face mask or medicine through a drip into a vein.

An X-ray will be done to assess the fracture.

If the broken bone is still in position, you’ll usually just need a plaster cast. This holds the bone in place so it can heal.

If there’s a lot of swelling, you may just have a splint or cast around the back half of your leg until the swelling goes down. A full cast can be fitted a few days later.

You may be provided with painkillers to take home and information on how to look after your cast.

Read more about how to care for your plaster cast.

Reduction

If the bones are misaligned, a doctor or surgeon may need to put them back into place. This is known as reduction.

Sedatives are sometimes provided before the procedure and local or regional anaesthetic is used to numb the site of the break.

In some cases a general anaesthetic is needed, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

Once the bones are in the correct position, a plaster cast can be applied.

Surgery

Severe fractures are often treated with surgery to realign and fix the broken bones. Surgeons can fix bones with metal wires, plates, screws or rods.

Plates, screws and rods will usually be left in place permanently unless they become a problem, whereas wires will be removed 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.

Sometimes an external frame (external fixator) is attached to the broken bones with metal pins to help keep them in place. This is removed once the fracture has healed.

After surgery, a plaster cast may be applied to protect the leg.

Follow-up appointments

An appointment will be made for you to attend a fracture clinic so specialist orthopaedic doctors can monitor your fracture.

The first appointment is usually booked for a week or 2 after you’re discharged from hospital.

Severe fractures will usually heal within 3 to 6 months, but may require follow-up appointments every few months for a year or more afterwards.

Further X-rays are often necessary to check how well your leg is healing.

Recovering from a broken leg

You’ll be given advice by your doctor about how much you should move your leg and when you can put weight on it.

It takes around 6 to 8 weeks for a minor fracture to heal. You’ll probably need to use crutches or a wheelchair during this time, until it’s possible to put weight on the leg again.

You’ll be shown how to safely use any mobility equipment you’re provided with.

More severe fractures can take between 3 and 6 months to fully heal. Some can take even longer.

The hospital may recommend regular physiotherapy appointments to help you maintain or regain muscle strength, movement and flexibility.

This will include specific exercises to do before and after the cast is removed.

Do not try to rush your recovery by returning to your normal activities too quickly, as the broken bone may not be fully healed even when the pain has gone.

Follow the advice of your doctor, who’ll probably recommend gradually increasing how much you use your leg over time.

You should not drive while in a cast. Seek advice from your doctor about when you can drive again.

Possible complications

For most people, a broken bone will heal within a few months and there will not be any further problems.

But complications can sometimes occur.

Damaged muscle, nerves or blood vessels

Damage around the fracture can occur during the initial injury or during surgery. 

It may lead to loss of movement or feeling, or may affect the blood supply to the limb.

Bone infection

This is more likely if surgery is performed or the broken bone stuck out of the skin. 

It can significantly delay healing and will often require treatment with antibiotics, surgery, or both.

Compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially serious condition caused by bleeding or swelling within a bundle of muscles.

This can occur soon after a fracture, after the plaster cast has been applied, or after surgery.

Emergency surgery will usually be needed to relieve the build-up of pressure in your leg.

Other complications

Occasionally, a further operation may be needed if the bone does not heal properly.

This can happen if the bone doesn’t align properly during surgery, you put too much weight on the bone before it heals, the fracture is severe, you have diabetes, or you smoke during your recovery.

Types of fracture

Some broken bones are more serious than others – it depends on the location of the fracture, how the bone has broken, and whether there’s any damage to the surrounding tissue.

The most common types of fracture are:

• stress fractures – tiny cracks in the bone caused by overuse, common in athletes
• undisplaced or hairline fracture – a fracture through the bone with little damage to the surrounding tissue
• displaced fracture – the 2 parts of the broken bone have moved apart (misaligned)
• comminuted fracture – the bone has broken (shattered) into several pieces
• open or compound fracture – a complicated break where the bone has broken through the skin, or the initial injury has exposed the broken bone

Page last reviewed: 15 September 2021
Next review due: 15 September 2024

90,000 possible causes, therapy. Rehabilitation medicine

Why does leg swelling occur after a leg fracture? The reasons for this phenomenon will be discussed in the materials of this article. We will also tell you how to properly treat this pathological condition.

Basic information

Swelling of the leg after a leg fracture occurs quite often. Before telling how to get rid of such a phenomenon, you should find out what it is.

Edema is the accumulation of a certain amount of fluid in the soft tissues of the body. Very often, such a pathological condition develops after injury to the limb. Experts explain this phenomenon by disturbed blood flow in the damaged area of ​​the body.

Swelling of the leg after a leg fracture may appear immediately after the injury, and also develop after some time, including after the fracture has completely healed.

Peculiarities of edema

Swelling of the leg after a leg fracture may be a long-term and persistent phenomenon. Very often, the cause of such consequences is not only poor blood flow, but also damage or violation of the integrity of the ligaments or muscle tissue, as well as failures in their normal operation.

Foot fracture: therapy, photos, symptoms and signs. Signs of a fracture…

When a tumor appears on an injured limb, the patient may experience severe and aching pain. Also in this place the color of the skin changes.

In the event that the fracture was open or intra-articular, comminuted or displaced, then swelling can be observed not only on the injured part of the leg, but also over its entire surface.

It should also be noted that sometimes with such injuries, patients lose skin sensitivity and experience constant pain, which ultimately leads to a decrease in human motor activity. Because of this, the patient may develop serious complications.

Main causes

A cast on a broken leg is a completely normal situation. In this case, very often there are such cases when, after prolonged immobilization of the limb, the bones grow well and quickly, and after removing the bandage, during the rehabilitation of the patient, edema forms on the leg. In this case, the skin remains without visible damage. In medical practice, this problem is called “lymphostasis”.

Ankle fracture: signs, first aid and features…

According to experts, lymphatic edema may occur due to a violation of the outflow and production of lymph. In this case, as a result of a fracture in the victim, not only the bones can be damaged, but also the vessels, nearby tissues, nerves, muscles, lymph nodes, ligaments, and so on.

With the appearance of lymphostasis, the patient may experience complications such as elephantiasis, cysts, ulcers, fibrosis, and others. There are also cases when, with swelling of the injured area, it not only thickens, but also thickens the skin.

Other reasons

Why does the leg swell after a fracture (what to do in this situation, we will tell further)? As a rule, in violation of the integrity of the ligaments, the joints are limited in movement. Also, they may appear excessive mobility. Such phenomena contribute to the development of severe puffiness, which is the cause of the appearance of “ivory” or growths of bone tissue.

Fracture temperature. The reaction of the body to a fracture

Plaster cast on the leg does not cause swelling. This pathological condition is caused by completely different reasons. But in any case, if such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, since ignoring them entails very serious consequences.

How to relieve swelling after a broken leg?

There are many ways to eliminate swelling that has developed after an injury. However, to choose the most suitable method, you should always consult a doctor. This is due to the fact that any medicine for edema has its own side reactions and contraindications.

By the way, not only modern preparations can eliminate the swelling of the lower extremities after a serious injury, but also special procedures, which should also be recommended by an experienced doctor.

So how do you relieve swelling after a broken leg? There are several methods for eliminating such a pathological condition. These include folk, traditional and alternative.

Conventional edema treatment

Restorative medicine requires various creams, gels and ointments to relieve swelling in the lower extremity. Such local preparations help to improve not only lymph flow, but also blood flow.

According to experts, the medicine for edema should contain heparin. This substance belongs to the group of direct anticoagulants, which prevents blood clotting and quickly eliminates any swelling.

Also, after a fracture of a limb, doctors very often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and ketoprofen-containing drugs for topical use to their patients. In addition, to improve blood flow and lymph outflow, some experts recommend using ketoprofen or ichthyol ointment. “These products produce a warming effect and have an antitumor effect. Such ointments should be applied no more than three times a day, intensively rubbing them into the skin area until completely absorbed .

Alternative methods

In addition to traditional methods in the form of drugs and ointments, restorative medicine recommends removing limb edema after a fracture through various physiotherapy procedures, including UV irradiation, electrophoresis, electrical stimulation, and others. However, it should be remembered that such methods do not always make it possible to see the result of treatment immediately after it has begun.

So, to relieve swelling of the lower limb after a fracture, doctors recommend:

• Electrical muscle stimulation. This procedure has a beneficial effect on tissue after damage.
• Hydromassage or regular massage that improves blood supply to damaged tissues, as well as the production and flow of lymph. You can do this massage yourself or entrust this procedure to a specialist.
• UV irradiation of the damaged area.
• Electrophoresis.
• Phonophoresis.

Folk remedies

Swelling of the leg after an ankle fracture can occur in any person. Most often, with this problem, the patient turns to the doctor. But if traditional methods of therapy do not help, then you should turn your attention to already proven folk remedies.

In order to eliminate swelling of the legs, alternative medicine suggests the use of a variety of oils, which must be gently rubbed into the injury site.

As such folk remedies, experts recommend using cedar, fir or other oils that promote tissue regeneration and have a warming effect. In addition, in alternative medicine, many people use compresses with special clay or tincture. By the way, some of them can even be taken orally.

Consider the most effective and popular remedies that are most effective in eliminating edema:

• Pharmacy blue clay. The powder is diluted with a small amount of water, and then a cake is made from the resulting mass, which should completely cover the damaged area. It is applied to the fracture site for about 40-55 minutes. Such a compress must be done three times a day.
• Fir oil is intensively rubbed into the skin, where tissue swelling is observed. This procedure should be carried out immediately after sleep and immediately before it.

• Arnica infusion. To prepare such an antitumor solution, several large spoons of the crushed plant are poured with hot water (boiling water) and infused for about an hour. It should be remembered that for 1 liter of liquid it is necessary to take approximately 30 g of arnica. After a while, the infusion is filtered through gauze, after which it is used for compresses and lotions, which are applied to the fracture site for 1/4 hour before bedtime.

Treatment of swelling of the legs with folk remedies. Help or waste of time?

Contents

• Introduction
• The essence of the problem
• What folk remedies will help relieve swelling
• Using natural remedies to remove excess fluid from the body
• Trays
• Compresses
• Physical activity
• Conclusion

Folk remedies for leg edema

Leg edema is a common problem. Almost every adult meets with her during a long stay on his feet, especially in the heat. But most of all it is relevant for people of more advanced age.

The essence of the problem

At its core, edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissues. He worries most often in the late afternoon. It is characterized by an increase in the limb in size, looseness of the skin – when pressed on it, peculiar dents are formed that are not prone to rapid disappearance. Most often, the feet and ankles swell, swelling can spread from the fingers to the knee, sometimes higher.

If edema bothers you infrequently, as a rule, in the heat or when you are on your feet for a long time, you can alleviate the condition through folk remedies. Regular swelling clearly indicates the presence of a certain disease, so it is important to establish its cause in order to start treatment on time. It can be varicose veins, cardiac and many others.

What folk remedies will help relieve swelling

Removal of puffiness at home is possible in several ways, the most accessible of which are:

1.

The use of natural remedies to remove excess fluid from the body.

To prevent excess fluid, limit the use of salt, as well as smoked meats, sweets, strong tea and coffee. To remove water, you need to introduce parsley, asparagus, as well as black currants, strawberries or garlic into your diet. Cranberries and cranberries are considered excellent diuretics. Moreover, for this purpose, you can use both the berries of these plants and a decoction of their leaves. An infusion or decoction of cumin seeds is effective in this regard. Ordinary tea can be replaced with rose hip tea. You can also use a complex collection that has a diuretic effect, which is sold at any pharmacy.

2. Trays.

The easiest way is to make a bath with sea salt (1 tbsp baking soda and 2-3 tbsp salt / 3 l water). Relief in the legs can be felt after taking a bath with a decoction of chamomile, birch leaves, sage, mint, etc. But contrast baths are especially effective, which will improve not only the sensations in the legs, but also general well-being. The alternation of immersion of the legs in cold and warm (about 40 ° C) water helps to increase the tone of blood vessels and strengthen their walls.

A bath with the addition of essential oil (a few drops of mint or a drop of lemon and eucalyptus) will help relieve fatigue after a hard day’s work.

3. Compresses.

The simplest, but at the same time quite effective compress is from a cabbage leaf. First you need to knead it (you can use a rolling pin for this purpose), attach it to the place of swelling and fix it. Other popular options include:

• Infusion of birch leaves (soak bandages in the infusion and apply).
• Infusion of chamomile, parsley and dill.
• Burdock (apply to the leg with the wrong side).
• Lean (preferably linseed) oil.

4. Physical activity.

The best activity for swelling is swimming. For those whose lifestyle is predominantly sedentary, walking, squats, and other types of exercises are recommended, with the exception of lifting weights.