Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 05/01/2008 :  22:00:08  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "Hello, I broke my fibula about 6 weeks ago. It was a clean break near the top of the fibula and didn't do any damange to my ankle so no surgery was necessary. I got my cast off and can put pretty good pressure on my bad leg. However, I still get shooting pain at times in my leg. I have not been told to a PT so I am not sure what I can do to help rehabilitate the injury and speed up the process of recovery. I would appreciate any information you can suggest."

Ask a PT Response: "It is not uncommon to continue to have some pain after this type of an injury. When a PT works with a patient that has broken the fibula, he or she will have the patient work on exercises: to help build strength & range of motion, decrease tissue irritability and increase tolerance to bearing weight through the affected lower extremity. Aquatic physical therapy could definitely be an option as well. There is definitely a progression as far as exercise prescription from non weight bearing exercises to partial weight bearing exercises (supported) to full weight bearing exercises. Some NWB exercises could include ankle pumps, AA/AROM exercises, isometric strengthening etc.. Some PWB exercises could include seated BAPS board use, partial lunges with support, partial side stepping with support, resistive strengthening with thera band, etc.. Some FWB exercises could include parial lunges, parital squats, heel raises, use of calf machine, etc... Manual therapy to the joints and muscles of the foot, ankle and knee may be required as well. I would recommend you consult with a PT, if you are able to, as he or she will be able to evaluate you and determine the best plan of care for you given your current condition. Good luck and thanks for using CyberPT."