You may walk on the leg as much as pain allows, and if you have been given a boot you should gradually use it less and less over four to six weeks as the pain settles. Sometimes the pain may persist but if you are walking further each day this is not uncommon. Most injuries heal without any problems.
How long does it take a Bimalleolar fracture to heal?
Bimalleolar fractures make the ankle unstable and typically require surgery to implant metal plates, screws, and rods to keep the bones aligned. Following surgery, the ankle is usually put in a short leg cast. In general, it takes at least 6 weeks for the broken malleoli to heal.
Can you walk on a fractured fibula?
Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula’s role in ankle stability.
How long does it take to recover from an avulsion fracture?
You might need to wear a cast or splint for a few weeks. Fractures usually take about three to 12 weeks to heal completely. For an avulsion fracture in your pelvis or anywhere else where your healthcare provider can’t apply a cast, a short period of rest followed by crutches is helpful.
Is a lateral malleolus fracture serious?
When this part of the bone fractures, or breaks, it’s called a lateral malleolar fracture. This type of fracture can be caused by twisting of the foot and ankle, a trip or fall, or a direct blow to the ankle. Lateral malleolus fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured ankle.
How do I know if I broke my lateral malleolus?
Lateral malleolus fractures cause pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. If you have pain in other areas of the foot and ankle, you may have a more serious ankle injury.
Do metal plates and screws need to be removed?
Occasionally a screw is positioned across a joint to help hold that joint in place whilst it heals and it should be removed before moving the joint again to prevent breakage of the metalwork. Infected metalwork should always be removed preferably after the fracture has healed.
Can surgical screws cause pain?
Screws, rods, or other implants used during orthopedic surgery can cause infection. People who have implants also may report pain and irritation at the site where the implants were placed.
