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Broken fibula healing time?

(39 discussions)

I broke my right fibula two-thirds of the way down, just over two weeks ago playing 5-a-side football. I’ve had a cast put on it to just below my knee. I’ve been able to walk on it without my crutches with my leg fully extended. Is this advisable or will it increase the healing time? I was told by the consultant, it could even heal without a cast? I also jerked my leg suddenly whilst regaining my balance after misplacing a crutch a couple of days ago – could this have undone any healing up to that point or could it just be muscle strain.

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39 comments

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    9 10

    no lol I have that bone in 2 psc in my leg now and the doc don’t care if it ever grows back it feels funny wen it moves but thats about it so cut the cast off and go on . I have a steel rod in my rod in my leg wer it was broke they had to cut that bone so they could move my leg to get the rod in that was 8 mounths ago.

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula into thee peices. How is yours feeling. I broke it on feb 12.

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    9 10

    I BROKE MY LEFT ANKLE THE FIBULA ON JULY. HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I WILL BE ABLE TO WALK AGAIN WITHOUT CRUTCHES.

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    9 10

    It sounds like we’re both in the same situation. I broke my fibula about 5 weeks ago. The OS took my cast off this week and suggests I use a cam-walker, neat gadget. You know to answer you question.. considering the fibula is a non-bearing bone you’re chance of injuring it again are slim to non. Think about it, how did you do it? Its going to be pretty hard to do again unless you put yourself in that situation. My suggestion, take it easy.. try and keep the load to a limit and exercise the foot. Oh and one more thing. If the swelling is down.. the bone has already healed. Now it needs to rebuild bone mass to fill in all the imperfections.
    Take care

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      9 10

      I broke my fibula 3 days ago and had surgery with 1 plate and 9 screws,i have a hard time walking on my crutches because my leg feel like it is going to explode.
      How long does this pain last and is there anything I can do to help recovery?

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula 5 weeks ago. There was no operation. I was given an air cast but I rarely have it on. The swelling is all gone with the exception of my ankle and I can put some weight on the leg but I can’t walk without crutches. Should I have the air cast on at all times? Are my actions increasing my healing time? Are there exercises that I can do?

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    9 10

    my 14 month old has broken her fibula and the doctor is taking the cast off after only a week. I am concerned that this is too soon.

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula 2 weeks ago and I’m already going out of my mind with this cast on my foot. I just want you to know that I found this page very helpful.

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula on July 4th. I had my surgery on July 13th and had to get a plate and 5 screws. My cast came off on August 7th and I’m able to walk without my crutches. The swelling is down considerably and I’m even able to wear regular shoes, boots, etc. However, I am walking somewhat gingerly while wearing them though. I’m really athletic and enjoy playing all types of sports regularly. The one thing that worries me is that even though I can walk somewhat straight again, I can’t jump or run and it’s really making me worry that I won’t be playing any sports anytime soon. I have a really important sporting event in September and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to compete. Anyone with any knowledge or a similar situation please email me. Thank you.

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    9 10

    I fractured my fibula and ruptured some ankle ligaments on the 14/9 and was operated on on the 16/9. The operation has left me with a diastasis screw (comimg out 6weeks after op) and a metal plate attached. I was due to go into the Royal Navy on 4/10 and whilst I understand this will obviously be delayed I can still not enter will metal fixations still in lower limbs. I would like to know what sort of time period I can expect to be free all metal work.

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    9 10

    fractured fibula 4 weks ago 2″ above ankle. Its been in a cast for 4 weeks, the pain is gone down dramatically, I took x-ray today still has not healed, told by orthoped. to keep it in cast for 2 more weeks, and then wear a walking boot, what is the prognosis for healing time?

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    9 10

    Paul. I broke my leg just 8 days before you broke yours, in fact I ended up having surgery on the same day of your accident. You didn’t mention needing surgery so obviously that will make a difference. I had a plate and 8 screws since my right fibula was broken in 3 places. Anyway I’m still not able to go back to work, but things are beginning to look good. I went from a splint following surgery, to a standard cast, to a boot (not a walking boot) now in physical therapy and just yesterday was allowed to try and walk on it without any crutches or walker. It’s very stiff and very sore but at least I can now get around a little better. For me, from start to finish looks like about 12 weeks, and even then I’m going to have some soreness, a limp and swelling for several months. Good luck to you.

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula Dec. 28, thought it was just a sprain. Walked around in a removable cast I borrowed. Finaly went to a doc after 2 weeks. First doc thought it was a sprain, didn’t X-Ray, but referred me to othropod, who X-rayed it and found break about 2 inch above ankle. Operated, installed plate and 7 screws, plus two long screws between fibula and tibia that he will remove after 6 weeks. I was in a hard cast for 4 weeks, then removable cast for 2 weeks but not walking. Still have stiffness and some swelling. Looks like months before I’ll be running again.

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    9 10

    Broke mine 3 weeks ago. Saw an orthopedic doc and said I didn’t need surgery (alignment is good) and no cast is needed because the fracture is not near the ankle or knee. I am able to walk slowly around the house without any crutch but outside I need the crutch. I take 3 200mg advil tabs 3 to 4 X a day. The swelling has been awful from break down to the whole foot. Anyone else have a simmilar treatment plan?

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    9 10

    I think the idea here is to lay of the leg for atleast 3 weeks to give yourself the best possible chance for recovery. It also depends on your age, your diet and as much as possible keep the leg elevated this will stimulate blood flow oh and lots of rest as well. I broke my fibula 6 days ago had plate and 6 screws inserted the swelling has already gone down according to the Doc should be walking in 4 to 5 weeks.

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    9 10

    I Just broke my fibula, in about the middle of my calf, on 6-20/08. The break is clean through but fairly aligned. I went to ER, got splint that night, then to Ortho doctor on Monday morning. The Ortho doctor xrayed my ankle to make sure it was ok, looked at my ER xrays and took off the splint and told me to “walk it off, let pain be your guide.” Although everyone says get a second opinion, I am getting around quite well, with some sensitivity, and taking 600 mg of ibuprofen 3x a day. He told me, back to soccer in approximately 3 weeks (NO WAY, I WANT TO Walk straight the rest of my life) and healed in 6. ALso was told I DO NOT need a follow up visit. I guess I am not the only one!

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    9 10

    broke my left fibula just below my knee will it heal with out a cast and how long does it take

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    9 10

    I spent a lot of time looking around the internet for info after I broke my fibula. One of the most interesting bits of info is that the fibula is actually a bone that the body does not need or use. It can be removed completely and you would still be able to walk and run. I am 67 years old. I broke my fibula falling down stairs 23 days ago. My foot was wrenched back and the leg curled up underneath me causing two breaks. One break was a chipped off piece of bone at the bottom back end of my tibia. The other was a clean break right across the fibula about three inches below the knee.
    After two doctors consulted I was given a below the knee cast made out of resin extending from my knee all the way down to my toes. I was given two forearm supported crutches and no instruction how to get the best out of them. So do get the right size crutches and instructions on how to best use them. It is important. After three days my toes turned black and blue. I thought it was gangrene setting in. But it turned out to be blood settling into my lower leg. This is quite common. But get it checked out. It might be a compromised blood supply.
    So far, I am only three weeks into wearing my cast and hopping about on one leg. After the first nine days I went for a secondary follow up visit to the hospital. A different doctor looked at the original X Ray and wanted to give me a whole leg cast.(Well above the knee). He didn’t think I needed another X-Ray. I asked keep a below the knee cast. It makes life easier. The doc said the worst that will happen is that the bone will not heal. I was then given a new below the knee cast with a bit more room for the swelling. When they removed the old cast my lower shin after nine days was quite yellow. My foot and ankle was really swollen. The top of the foot was very red and sensitive. All this started to ease up after 2 weeks. The pain seems to come in peiodic waves when laying down. These waves get further apart. Though I still have them once or twice a day after 23 days. The doc said I can expect a healing time of 4 to 6 weeks. But I suspect the amount of damage I did to my tendons when the foot was wrenched back backward will take a lot longer to heal.One recommendation is not to take pain killers if you can avoid it. It helps the healing. I asked if I would be given one of those special leg shoes. He said no. I was given an appointment to come back 30 days after the break. Also recommended is to eat certain foods ie sardines with bones. low fat milk, broccoli, wallnuts. Check this out on the web. I have spoken to a few people about leg breaks and was surprised to find out that a lot of leg bones left to heal on their own do not line up as they were. They end up slightly off at the point of the break. It saves a hospital doing surgery with screws and plates etc.Insist on seeing the X rays and be ready to ask for what you want. Good Luck

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula 2 months ago about 3 inches above the ankle and didn’t need surgery. I was in a cast for 4 weeks; in a boot for 4 weeks; and went to the doctor yesterday and was told I had to wear the boot for 3 more weeks. I was on and off the crutches for 3 weeks into the break. I only used them for stability with the cast. The first week into the boot I was done with crutches. I am getting around fine now with minimal pain, except for the fact that I have to wear this boot. Hope this helps!!

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    9 10

    My 1st soccer game of the season in the 1st ten minutes I spiral broke my fibula. I broke it on September 6th and had surgery on the 11th with a plate and 6 screws. It’s October 29th and I’m still on crutches. Next tuesday I go into the ortho to see if I’m able to walk on it again. I’m hoping I will be able to cheer this winter, but should I take a year off?

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula 9 weeks ago and could walk on it fine since the day it happened. It happened in football right before the first game of the season, I got hit in a stupid drill by a falling lineman it took me a min. but I got up and walked it off, I was out of football for a week and was back running up to three miles on it for four days. I practiced for a week and was about to start in a game before it was cancled, the next monday I went to the doc over a little pain still in it got it looked at I was told it was broken and their went the season. I had a cast for 3 weeks and have been in a boot since, but I have no pain and can put weight on it. I’m just wondering if anyone else thinks my doctor either is just covering up his own ass so he can’t get in trouble letting me play again or just got beat up by the football players in highschool.

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    9 10

    i broke my fibula on sept 6 I got a plate and 6 screws took place during a HS football game, I also completely dislocated my ankle ium jus starting to walk without my crutches its ruff and just have to deal with the pain

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    9 10

    I broke my Fibula 3.5 weeks ago (2 inches above my ankle). I have an aircast, which I use outside of the house or when active, but rarely when I’m at home. The swelling and pain went down dramatically last week, but my upper ankle area is still somewhat sensative to any movement. Any tips or insight for me?? I re-visit the doc in 2 weeks for an evaluation and prognosis report. I would love to hear from anyone before then.

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    9 10

    My cast was removed 2 weeks ago, I can walk on it OK, but my ankle is still swollen, and the right side of my footis sore. How long will it take to heal, and is there any exercises I can use to help a recovery?

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula a little above the ankle 2 weeks ago I am 26yrs old and pretty healthy. how long am I looking for a full recovery and how long until I can walk without crutches?

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    9 10

    how long will it take heel

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    9 10

    Hi. I’m Ian. I’m 26 yrs old. I broke my fibula 2 months ago because of soccer about 4 inches high from ankle. The doctor just provided me a fracture boot without casting my leg up. I’m just wondering maybe anyone has the same experience like I do. I need help or feedback which one is faster healing up. It would be nice to hear and I thank you for your time reading my note.

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    9 10

    Broke my fib about 6 weeks ago (sympathetic hairline fracture in the tib) during a wilderness trail run. Emerg doc thought I needed pins and plate; specialist didn’t. At first kind of felt like the tib bones were moving around, but after 3 weeks didn’t have the senation of movent. Swelling has gone dow. I’m supposed to see the specialist tomorrow to see if the cat can come off. He asked me to try putting weight on the leg to see ho it fees. I had been over the past couple of days and felt ok, but yesterday I go very strange sensations in the leg (including the feeling of moving bones). I’m hoping I’m just being overly sensitive. Like a numbe rof you I’m an active person Best of luck to all on this site and wishing you as speedy a recovery as possible.

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    9 10

    So I guess its common that your ankle will still be swollen even 3 weeks later? This suxs as no summer hockey!

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula about an inch above the ankle 9 days ago. No surgery required, casted for 5 days now. My doc told me to start weight bearing on it and ditch the crutches asap. Yesterday I walked across the kitchen feather-weight bearing on that leg, and was in EXCRUCIATING pain for the rest of the day. I experience a tremendous amount of pain any time it is not elevated for more than about 5 minutes. Any suggestions about walking or recovery time?? My body is telling me to just take it easy….

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    9 10

    Broke my fibula about 2 in below the knee, oplaying ice hockey. I first thought that it was a sprained ankle – swollen, bruised. But I could move it. Used ice, elevated my leg. Did not help. I felt constant pain in my left calf. After 10 days I went to see the doc. X-rays showed a broken fubula. He gave me a boot and asked me to come back 10 days later. In the meantime I had a second opinion and the second doc put me in a cast from 5 in above the knee down to my anle. Pain disappeared after two days in a cast. I am worried about the probable surgery ( which I do not want). I use one crutch, but I can walk without it without any pain. Am I hurting the healing process and is it possible by using the injured leg (no pain) I can dislocate my fibula?

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    9 10

    I broke my fibula in two places on Mt Rainier 10 days ago. I then walked 4 miles down the mountain to the lodge (not fun). I’m having surgery on the ankle tomorrow. I’ve done this before, but you sort of forget about the pain involved when you first standup and blood rushes to the affected area. I can’t walk at all without crutches for the first 10 mins or so. Then it eases off. Vicodin is your friend.

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    9 10

    Broke lateral malleolus @ ankle May 29. Operated on 6/16, plate and 8 screws. Just started walking without assistance today 9/14. Worst summer of my life. 109 days so far maybe, just maybe, halfway if I work hard and am not a pro ball player. Looking forward to walking normal without a limp. Up to a year!

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    9 10

    Hey, I broke my fibula and just got my plaster today, the nurse said it would take six weeks to heal, but I think if I eat the right things, I could be walking quicker by eating vitamin D, calcium, Cod-liver oil,omega-3

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    9 10

    i broke my fibula years back and walked it off, though I was limping. a week later I still had pain so decided to go for x-rays. it was broken.. the doctor said there was no point in putting on a cast and let me go.. sure enough the pain went away eventually and the bone healed. here I am again, this time it broke in the same place and my tibia is broken too. they but a nail in my tibia but haven’t done anything about my fibula. I think the general prognosis is that the tibia immobilizes the fibula.

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    9 10

    Hi, I broke my fibula just under my knee & badly twisted my ankle 6wks ago,i didn’t have a cast put on, the doctor said it would heal within 4-6 wks and I didn’t need to go back. I’m now walking without sticks but my calf and ankle feel very tender, should I be having some physio? Thanks

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    9 10

    I fractured my Lateral malleolus (lower extremety of the Fibula) whilst snowboarding coming up to 2 weeks. The doc said that it would be 5 weeks on a hard cast going withou crutches for the last 3 weeks. I can walk on without pain only when on tip toes but using the whole foot is painful. Looking at websites on this the best way to way get the bone to heal is to keep it elevated as a much as possible and take calcium vitamins to boost up bone production. Cut down on the aspirins/drugs as it will only slow healing down. Also due to it being immobilised make sure you take blood thinning supplements. You wouldnt want to have an embolism. In the whole scheme of things the fibula according to my doctor is a redundant and insignificant bone but still make sure you keep to the principles otherwise you’ll end up having arthritis later on. happy healing!!!!

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    9 10

    I broke my fib, 3″ obove ankle. It’s been three weeks, doc. gave me a velcroe air cast after being in a hard cast for two.Most of the swelling has gone down, ecsept around my ankle. I forgot to add I had sergery with a metal plate and 7 screws. I go back 4-11-10 for my 6 week appt.,Doc told me no weight on it until after 6 weeks. I was told to strech my ankle and use heat.

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    9 10

    I run a ranch and I’m 55. I was kicked by a cow and boke my fibula about three inches below the knee. I did’t go to the Dr. for 24 hours because I’m always banged up from my job. They didn’t cast it! I can’t use the crutches all the time. I did ride one day and it swelled alot from hanging. I didn’t use the stirup at all. I usuall ride a lot with out stirups because of my knees. I just can’t slow down there is hay to get in and cows to check. Would it help to rap it or should I get a really tall boot?

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