Ankle fracture recovery. The importance of proper and timely rehabilitation. What factors can influence the speed of recovery?
Rehabilitation after an ankle fracture implies the return to the previous functionality of tissues destroyed or weakened by the injury and its consequences. In a cast, the load on the muscles almost completely stops, which leads to their atrophy and, as a consequence, a deterioration in the supply of nutrition and oxygen to all adjacent tissues of bones and joints.
The ankle joint has a complex structure. Any of the three bones can be injured, be it the fibula, tibia or talus, but in any case this will lead to rupture of muscle tissue and ligaments.
Symptoms of ankle injuries are minimal, so detect major changes in a joint without taking pictures is almost impossible.
Main goals recovery period:
- reverse the processes of muscle atrophy and destructive changes in blood vessels;
- restore mobility to the joint;
- prevent stagnation of fluids in the reconstructed limb;
- increase motor activity joint
How can a person get an ankle injury?
Typically, ankle injury occurs after strong blow along the leg to the ankle area. Sometimes the injury occurs as a result of a twisted foot. This can happen if you jump or land poorly.
Gradually, the child learns to sit up independently in bed with his legs lowered to the floor. If this is already easy, you can begin a set of exercises to activate the muscles and tendons for both legs. Necessary:
- collect and carry objects scattered on the floor (pencils, small stones, beads) with your toes;
- roll a ball (stick, bottle) with your feet;
- lean forward and backward, bending and straightening the ankle;
- rotate your legs (depict the rotation of bicycle pedals);
- with feasible amplitude do scissor swings with your legs while lying on your back;
- bend the foot and straighten it, stretching the toe as far as possible;
- rotate your feet in different sides(this exercise can be done standing, rotating your feet alternately, or sitting, doing it with both legs).
Also, if possible, you should engage in therapeutic walking on your toes and heels, sideways, in a half-squat, backwards (carefully!).
In the presence of pain You can use an anesthetic ointment, but if the discomfort is severe and even unbearable, you should not overcome it, but consult a doctor, as this may be a sign of a complication.
Often an ankle fracture occurs due to deterioration of the bone tissue. Read about what arthrosis of the joints is and how to prevent it. You can find out how to detect a rib fracture.
A set of exercises to develop muscles after a leg fracture
You should regularly perform exercises that will help your muscles quickly gain tone and restore normal balance when walking. It is recommended that you first seek the help of a doctor or exercise therapy instructor, who will monitor the correct execution and explain in detail how to develop an ankle after a fracture.
With a ball
The patient presses his lower back against the wall special ball - Physiobol. The feet and torso are pushed forward. You should squat smoothly so that the ball does not fall. The knees should bend until a right angle is formed (90°).
On the platform
Standing on an unstable surface, the healthy leg should be slightly bent at the knee. First you just need to learn how to balance and keep your balance. After mastering it, you can take the ball and, without losing a stable position, throw it at the wall and catch it. Exercise activates stabilizer muscles and restores balance.
Jumping
You need to jump on each leg alternately along the line marked on the floor. With each jump you need to land on different sides. The hip muscles are strengthened, balance and coordination of movements are trained. By how easily this can be done, one can assess the degree of development of the joint after an ankle fracture.
On a roller
Alternately stand with your foot on the bolster, and with the other foot you need to perform moderate swings back and to the side. For stability, the leg standing on the roller must be slightly bent, while keeping it straight. You can use a loop of elastic tape attached to the bottom of the wall. It is put on the leg that swings.
You can simply stand on your leg while maintaining your balance using the elastic loop on your other leg. Legs must be alternated.
If you follow your doctor's advice and own wishes and perseverance, the mobility of the joint is completely restored in quite a while a short time.
What to do after removing the cast
The person understands that after removing the cast, he still cannot jump up and run. If a person has a fractured ankle, the cast is removed, what to do next? This question is often asked to doctors. traumatologist.
The function of the ankle joint is restored gradually after such an injury. And if you try to speed up this process, you can seriously harm yourself.
Certainly, perfect option– physiotherapeutic procedures combined with therapeutic exercises under the supervision of a doctor. But not everyone has this opportunity. Sometimes it’s difficult to even get to the clinic and find the right specialist.
Then we act according to the principle: “Help yourself,” especially since it is not so difficult!
The simplest thing you can do is warm foot baths with a salt solution (done 2-3 times a day). Dissolve 1 tablespoon sea salt per 1 liter warm water and support your injured leg. The joint should warm up well.
It can be done light gymnastics right in the water – bend and straighten your foot, don’t just do circular movements! There shouldn't be any effort either, but a little pain can be tolerated. After all, after 5-6 weeks of immobility, it is difficult for the joint to immediately perform the entire range of movements.
Swelling in the ankle
After a cast, swelling almost always occurs at the site of injury. After all, the plaster presses on soft fabrics, compresses blood vessels. And when the pressure stops, the blood rushes in with renewed vigor, and the leg swells. This is especially true for older people with circulatory problems.The best thing to do here is in the morning, without getting out of bed and without putting your legs down, immediately bandage the joint with an elastic bandage or put on a special compression stocking (stockings, tights - especially if you have venous insufficiency). Only then can you get up and start walking.
It is advisable to live in this mode for 2-3 weeks, until blood circulation normalizes and swelling disappears.
Nutrition
You say, “What does nutrition have to do with it?” But the fact is that there are products that accelerate the healing of bone and cartilage tissue. These include foods rich in calcium - everyone knows that this is cottage cheese, sour cream, and all dairy products.
But not everyone knows that during and after fractures it is very useful to eat strong broths and jellied meat.
It is advisable to take vitamins containing calcium and vitamin D.
Walking
And, of course, the best way to develop the ankle is walking. Gradually, step by step, start walking. Increase the load every day, and remember, the main thing is gradualness. When the ankle fracture has healed and the cast has been removed, developing the joint should be your main focus.
Massage
Massage can be different - tonic and soothing, but in our case you need to do it very light massage ankle, not even a massage, but circular movements, stroking.
Watch how a professional does it, you can do the same:
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214 comments
Samira, everything will be okay. At this age, fractures heal quickly. It’s clear that in a month it won’t be possible to do any more jogging. But after 7–8 months, depending on the condition of the leg, it may be possible to begin to gradually get into shape. Look online for stories of great athletes (for example, Yu. Vlasov, V. Dikul). The same V. Dikul received severe injuries and nothing happened, he got up and again did the “hard work”. The same professional football players also end up with fractures. There are sports doctors for recovery, and traumatologists (if there are experienced ones) will also help you recover. Don't worry - everything will be fine!
Good luck.Good afternoon. June 03, fracture of the fifth metatarsal without displacement. Three weeks in a cast. Starting from the fifth day, I began to slowly lean on my leg. I didn’t feel any pain. The first day after removing the cast, a non-rigid orthosis with silicone inserts and an orthopedic insole were placed on the leg. By evening the temperature rose to 37.5. Is it possible that the temperature rose after walking without crutches?
Perhaps Anna. You can’t walk for a long time and step on your foot completely.
Everything is gradual with control of the result. That is, for example, walk lightly on your leg for about 20 minutes. If the next day negative reaction no, then you can increase the duration of movement by 10 minutes and slightly increase the load on the leg. If the reaction is not very good, as in your case, return to a gentle regime for day two. Then try again. Well, and so on until a complete return to the BEFORE turning point regime.Nastya
I have a closed ankle fracture, they put a cast on me, I had a follow-up scan on June 14th, I’ve been walking with the cast for 2 weeks now, I’m walking on crutches, but I started stepping on my toes, is this dangerous? And sometimes the bone hurts.
Nastya, you need to PROCEED (that is, very carefully) on the entire foot, and not just on the toe. If on a sock, then it turns out increased load. Error!
Evgeniya Alekseeva
Yes, of course, I'm very worried. Thank you for your answer. The opinion of a specialist was very important to me.
Evgeniya Alekseeva
Hello! My 11-year-old son suffered a fracture on May 23 outer ankle on the left leg. He has a trip to Ireland planned for a language camp on July 2. Do you think his leg will recover by this time, and will he be able to get around without the help of adults? Among the chronic diseases, my son has hypothyroidism and excess weight. Best regards, Evgenia
Evgenia, a child at this age will not be able to control his behavior, which must be extremely careful. Especially with these health problems.
You probably understand this.Lyudmila
Good afternoon. I am 55 years old. After breaking both ankles without displacement, the leg remained in a cast for 2 months and 12 days. The plaster was removed today and the doctor told me to wear the orthosis all the time, only take it off at night. Can I wear the orthosis all day?
Lyudmila, in principle, if there is no movement (walking) during the day, then you don’t have to wear the orthosis. That is, during the day, wear only if you need to go somewhere. You can carefully “hobble” “to the kitchen” (in the sense of walking without an orthosis, but without putting full weight on the leg). That is, within the confines of the apartment, you can train your leg by carefully stepping on it and listening to the sensations. If it hurts, then put on an orthosis; if not, then walk slowly. For the next 2 - 3 weeks, go outside only in an orthosis (after all, age).
Svetlana
Good afternoon I twisted my leg on the stairs and received a closed fracture of the lateral malleolus of my left leg without displacement. They put a cellocast plaster on, and the doctor said I could walk without crutches. I've read a lot of articles and they say you can't go everywhere. Now the question is what to do, there is no way to not walk at all. Is it possible to walk in cellocast while stepping on your foot?
Svetlana, of course, right now you can’t walk in the same mode as before applying the plaster. You need to enter the walking mode GRADUALLY.
That is, right now you can step on your foot quite a bit (this mode is called START). It’s better to lean on a support (perhaps with someone’s arm or a stick for a while). The point is not to put too much strain on your leg right now. Every other day, if there is no pain, you can very slowly increase the load. If everything is painless, then within a month you will be able to walk tolerably. So divide the full load by 30 days and so you will understand how to increase from, say, a third of the load to full at the end of the month. The most important thing is gradualism.
Not walking at all is not good, since recovery in this case will take a very long time.Valentina
I am 50 years old. I have a non-displaced ankle fracture. X-rays showed that the bones were very transparent. They told me to remove the plaster myself in a month. Now 2 weeks have passed. Is it possible to start stepping on my leg in a cast?
You can, just not ATTACK, but START. That is, you do not transfer all the weight to your leg in a cast, but at first only a little. If it doesn’t hurt, then after 2–3 days you can slightly increase the load. But only a little. If it doesn’t hurt again, then after another 2–3 days you can increase it.
The load should be short-term at first so as not to tire the leg.Valentina
Thanks a lot
Hello. At the end of January, she suffered a closed comminuted fracture of the distal end tibia and c/3 of the fibula. Tibial osteosynthesis was performed using a locked rod. Now they recommended walking with a 50 percent load, but on two crutches. The leg does not hurt, the joints bend/extend. It's been almost 10 weeks since the surgery. When approximately can I stop using crutches? Now I have started walking more, my leg swells in the evening, but in the morning everything is back to normal. I don't use any ointments. Is it possible to continue loading the leg further? You can feel the end of the rod in your knee and feel a slight warmth when you touch it. It should be? Thank you.
After a couple of weeks, try using one crutch with an elbow support instead of crutches, or maybe a cane if your body weight is moderate. If you are overweight, you should not increase the load so quickly.
Amneshka
Hello, on February 27, a non-displaced fracture of the outer malleolus was diagnosed, the traumatologist ordered me to walk on 50% of my body weight by the day the cast was removed, on March 28, the cast was removed, but then a problem arose
1) I can’t swing my leg over in a cast to wash myself in the bathroom
2) when walking, sometimes I can’t correctly calculate the forces, but my leg doesn’t hurt, should I control this or just continue to work on it?Keep developing.
Hello, on January 27, surgery was performed on the ankle joint with the installation of a metal structure inside (to be removed after a year), and plastic surgery of the ligaments was performed. The plaster was removed on March 2, laser, magnet, and physical therapy were prescribed; When doing the exercises there is a feeling of pain, I start a little. Please tell me the exercise should be done through pain? When will it be possible to lean on my leg? Thank you
Anna, Exercises must be performed through pain, but without fanaticism. Controlling the pain. More pain means less stress, less pain means more stress. Until the pain stably stops, just start (that is, without full load).
Valeria
Good afternoon 14.01. broke her leg - closed fracture of the ankles of the right leg with displacement of fragments, damage to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis with subluxation of the foot outward. 23.01. They performed an operation - open reduction of a fractured ankle and lower leg and metal osteosynthesis. The doctor said that 14.03. it is necessary to begin to step on the leg in the cast “as if it were healthy,” while remaining on crutches. Tell me, is the load on the sore leg too much? Thanks in advance for your answer.
Valeria, the doctor said “staying on crutches.” This means that the load must be controlled. Naturally, the doctor’s phrase “as if healthy” does not mean full load right away. No. Everything should be gradual. Accustom your leg to loads again, starting with the minimum. This is called “stepping on” your foot. That is, day by day, load from light to full load, for example, moving to full load in a month. This is in the absence of pain.
If it hurts, then reduce the load a little, but don’t stop starting – your leg should get used to it anyway.Valeria
Thank you very much for the clarification!
Victoria
Hello.
25.01. ankle was broken outside, no offset. The plaster was removed on February 21.
The attending physician, who is also a surgeon, said that during the week you can only load the leg by 10%, but after reading here, you recommend gradually increasing the load. Those. Can I try to start walking during this week? I do massage and other exercises myself at home, can you recommend anything, the doctor didn’t recommend anything(Victoria, the doctor was right when he said – load 10% during the week. And that doesn't mean walking.
GETTING STARTED... just GETTING STARTED...
on next week you can load it by 15% - proceed according to how you feel a little more..
still on the trail. week at 20% - try to start a little more...
well, etc.
Read about gymnasticsNatalie
Hello! 4.01 sprained my ankle! It was advancing little by little, I thought it was a dislocation or sprain. On January 05, an x-ray showed a non-displaced ankle fracture. A splint was applied. Crutches make your arms hurt and your leg becomes tense when suspended. Is it possible to immediately step on the plaster slowly, after 7 hours? He's probably frozen already...
Irina
Hello! I am 47 years old, an ankle fracture without displacement of the big bone occurred on December 15th. There was no severe pain, an x-ray and a cast were done right away. I went to the magnet, I drink calcium and mumiyo. Now the broken leg doesn’t hurt and I step on it a little. Question: when can the cast be removed? I'm leaving on vacation on January 11, 2017. The decision was made to go even in a cast and on crutches. It's a long flight ahead. What are your recommendations? Thanks in advance for your answer.
In principle, on the 10th the plaster can be removed. While on vacation, use an elastic bandage while walking. It is advisable not to walk too much. The bandage can be removed at rest.
Irina
Thank you, can I apply troxevasin to my leg during the flight? Or maybe I should take aspirin for cardio?
Both troxevasin and aspirin are superfluous. The body should not be overloaded with external influences.
Irina
Thanks for the quick replies.
Victoria
Doctor, Thank you very much!! Happy New Year!!! Good health to you!!
I’m really looking forward to January 10, it will be 18 days since I’ve been in a cast, I want to ask the doctor for a repeat x-ray. So I want to remove the plaster as soon as possible, I want everything to grow together correctly. I ruined all my holidays...Victoria
Tell me, sometimes I strain my leg, it happens sharp pain... well, it turns out... one night there were cramps in calf muscle this leg, I'm afraid there was no displacement... What do you think?
Doctor, how long does it take to walk in a cast, roughly?Victoria, first of all.
1. The pain will continue for a couple of weeks.
2. To eliminate possible night cramps, drink at least a third of a glass clean water just before bed. You can have half a glass if you can stand the night without the toilet. Cramps are not associated with displacement.
3. The standard period of stay in a cast is 3-4 weeks. Not more.Victoria
Good evening, doctor! On December 23, 2016, I slipped and broke my right fibula;
diagnosis: (S-82.4) Closed fracture upper third of fibula with satisfactory condition. They applied a U splint from the fingers to the middle of the thigh, the plaster became loose... Today is 9 days from the date of the fracture, the ankle began to hurt (it was on at the time the plaster was applied). big boss, swelling...), the fracture site hurts. The surgeon at the clinic doesn’t know what to do with my plaster... On January 10, 2017, I made an appointment with a Traumatologist-Orthopedist (operating) for a consultation.
Please tell me how long it takes for such fractures to heal, and whether displacement can occur due to the fact that the plaster moves in different directions...at night, because my leg is numb, I turn it first on one side or the other, and always move my fingers , so it is possible?
I walk on crutches, I use my leg, I drink gelatin on an empty stomach, I eat cottage cheese every day, sesame seeds, cod liver, jellied meat, drink fish fat And folic acid, vitamins C, venarus 2 times a day.Victoria, as a temporary option, until the 10th, you can strengthen the cast with an elastic bandage directly on top of the cast.
Moving your fingers is, in principle, not fatal.
I wonder if the lump went down or stayed that way. The swelling will continue until blood vessels will not return to normal.Daria
Thank you very much for your detailed answer! Happy New Year!)))
Daria
Hello! On November 16th I hit myself hard outside feet, I thought it was a bruise, because... the pain was tolerable, there was a bruise at the site of the blow, and swelling later appeared. But a week later there was no improvement and I still decided to go to the hospital. The result: fracture of the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones with displacement. The bone had to be set and a cast was put on. I spent a month with him and came to see a doctor. I also had slight pain with light pressure on the fracture site. The doctor, without even asking me anything, decided to remove the plaster. I tell him that I need to take another picture, what if it didn’t work out? He says, let’s take off the plaster right now and do it. As a result, the picture showed that everything was normal, but it was not completely formed callus. The doctor says that there is no point in reapplying the plaster, but I can’t step on my leg for another week.
I have these questions:
1. Why was it necessary to remove the plaster without taking a picture, because even with the plaster you could see whether everything had fused together or not?
2. Will the fact that the leg is no longer fixed affect further fusion of the bone?
3. Why does my leg still swell after the cast is removed if I stay in an upright position for a long time?
4. When can I step on my foot and how long does it take for me to develop my foot and begin to walk normally?Daria, answers in order.
1. A month is enough to walk in a cast, which is why the doctor did not consult with you.
2. Will not affect.
3. Because the circulatory system has been disrupted and now it takes time to restore it. Do a soft, gentle self-massage of your legs. Every day and even several times a day for 3–5 minutes. Using gentle movements, “disperse” the blood in places of swelling. Just without fanaticism! Soft.
4. You can attack right now. If you are afraid, you can bandage it with an elastic bandage before walking and immediately remove it after walking.
Naturally, start advancing (or approaching) lightly. If not discomfort, then after a week or two, slightly increase your walking time. Restoration of functions occurs gradually - from six months to a year. So, focus on getting back to your previous routine.Daria
I have more questions. A week passed after the cast was removed, I began to slowly step on my leg and walk a little. But I can’t step on my foot completely, because... It hurts at the fracture site and it still hurts to press on this place, it even seems to me that it hurts more than before I started walking. Is this how it should be? Or does this mean that the bone has not fully healed?
Daria, the bone will heal “to the end” only in a year.
If the pain is severe, you need to reduce the load and do not forget to do self-massage.Victoria
Anna, please help! Broke my ankle. But this became known only a week after the injury. At the emergency hospital, after taking the picture, the doctor said: ligament rupture. And he told me to put on the retainer. I moved around with him for a week, even going outside a short distance away. The pain began to increase. And a week later, a picture at the clinic showed a fracture. Now in a cast, they said for 3 weeks. Tell me: isn’t it dangerous that I walked with a fracture? How do you generally ‘handle’ a leg in a cast? Is it possible to remove the cast, let my leg rest, and then put it back on? Do I need to fix it with an elastic bandage (the doctor at the clinic said: whichever is more convenient for you)? And at night there is pain below the bone, is this normal?
Thank you. I learned more on your website than from two traumatologists)Victoria, first of all.
– dangerous or not – in this moment It's too late to think about it.
– you can remove the plaster when you are not going ANYWHERE. For ANY movement in the next 3-4 weeks, wear it.
The same applies to the use of a bandage - whenever you move in the near future, it is better to bandage it.
Removing the bandage and plaster while lying down and sitting allows for recovery circulatory system,
and musculoskeletal system, which is fed by the bloodstream. That is, recovery is faster.
– yes, it can hurt and you have to go through it.Good afternoon, Anna! On November 25, I was put in a plaster, I had a broken ankle, on December 7, the traumatologist removed the plaster and sent it for an x-ray, after the x-ray, they put the same plaster on me again, only they secured it with a bandage, I am very worried about my leg, that it is not completely fixed.
Yulia, so as not to worry, you can additionally use elastic bandage right on top of the plaster. Only use a bandage if you intend to walk. Do not use in a lying or sitting position - what is enough.
Hello, I slipped on 10/31/16. The foot slipped under the fence. The result was that a piece of the ankle broke off. No offset. I still wear plaster to this day. The doctor says to wear it for 3 months. Then rehabilitation, physio, massage. How long does it take for such a fracture to heal? Help, maybe it would be better if the cast was removed and I could walk a little?
Yulia, with such a statement of the question there was no need to go to the doctor. How can a bone heal without plaster?
No, it can grow together, but it won’t work. Do you need this?
How long? This issue has already been discussed somewhere here. Let me remind you that complete fusion occurs within a year.
Remove the plaster? No problem. Tell your doctor that you don't care how it heals. Give the doctor a receipt that claims
You won’t have anything to do with him, that you’ve been warned about the consequences and that’s all.
It's not the doctor who needs this.Katerina
07/27/16 I broke the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal bones, an open fracture, the 2nd one was displaced. They applied a splint, bandaged it every day, the displacement was less than 3 mm, so they did not reduce it. On 08/22/16 they removed the splint and walked with an elastic bandage, but the doctor did not allow me to step on it. What to do next? Our town is small and the doctor is ancient... the displacement may affect later life, I’m 30 and would still like to wear heels?
Katerina, the displacement still needed to be corrected. I won’t lie, it (the displacement) can make itself felt. Especially when wearing heels. Unfortunately.
Katerina
That is, you need to break it and set it? Is it still too early to develop, the swelling has not gone down?
In a good way, so that there are no consequences, yes, it needs to be corrected. Then we can hope that there will definitely be no consequences. By at least the problem will be closed.
IN otherwise, leaving everything as it is, the situation is 50/50. That is, maybe you will be able to cope with new reality, or maybe you will live with constant pain. Nobody can give accurate forecast.
This is fair.
There will still be swelling until the body restores the problem area.Hello!
I've read everything here, but I haven't found anything similar to my case.
I broke my ankle. I've been in a cast for four weeks. And today I stumbled on crutches and stepped on my broken leg!..
I was scared...
Is it dangerous?
What to do?
I'm asking for advice.
Thank you.Nina, it's not dangerous. Slowly (not abruptly) proceed to the plastered leg. This will already be the process of restoring the functionality of the leg. Doesn't it hurt?
Natalia
Thanks for the answer. To be honest, I didn't expect it. When the cast was removed on 19, she told me that I couldn’t step on my leg for two weeks. Move with the help of crutches. That's what I did for seven days. Having come to her for appointment 27 and hearing that it was time to stop being lazy, it was time to stand on my leg with the help of a cane, yesterday I went to a course of therapy without crutches, with the help of a cane. But I repeat, I am in a semi-rigid orthosis.
And I make baths with grass and sea salt. Maybe I'm wrong, and I should do it with soda? And I wanted to ask another question. Is displacement possible after being in a cast for such a long time? But about the doctor there, on the periphery, you are right. I did everything I could under those conditions. And thank you for clearly explaining.Natalya, you should have attacked immediately, but gradually increasing the load.
A long stay in plaster simply stabilizes the relationship between the fragments and themselves at the time of fusion. Stabilization does not allow for displacement. Didn't you have a control x-ray? Everything will be visible there.
Make baths with soda. In this situation it is better.Natalia
Hello. I am 46 years old. On April 30, 2016, at the dacha, I fell down the stairs, resulting in a triple ankle fracture with displacement and subluxation. The district doctor did everything he could. He adjusted it, put on a cast, and said that there was a slight displacement left, but it would not affect walking. Sent to Moscow. To doctors at your place of residence.
Our traumatologist, who I saw, said that surgery was not required and that they were afraid to remove my cast and touch my leg. They told me to endure it for 12 weeks.
On July 19, the plaster was removed and she was ordered to take baths with soda at night. Physiotherapy doesn't make sense, she said. Another traumatologist, while I was on vacation, gave me a referral for physical therapy. Two sessions left.
We are not talking about any gymnastics or massage. The ancient granny cannot explain to me why my joint is jerking like an abscess, she just says drink Nise.
I have no idea what to do next.
Today, 01.08. The first time I came to the physical therapy office with a cane. The pain seems to have broken me for the second time, I’m afraid to go to bed. During the day I wear a semi-rigid orthosis and take it off at night.
What should I do? I asked to see another doctor, but he didn’t take me. For some reason everyone is afraid of this fracture. Tell me, maybe I’m panicking in vain? But the leg is mine.Hello, Natalia.
From current experience district doctor has more practice than the traumatologist from your clinic. Although this may not be the case in your particular case.
You are panicking for good reason. In my opinion, you should get an appointment with an independent traumatologist who will carefully (!) work with you.
Staying in a cast for such a long time should not give the “twitching” effect that you write about. Pain is possible. But simple, “no frills.” There are multiple causes of pain - prolonged inactivity and suddenly stress, impairment nerve endings, poor circulation at the fracture site. Soda baths combat all this.
You can do it differently. Wait a couple more weeks (now it doesn’t matter). Do gymnastics. Slowly. And, if after a couple of weeks everything remains unchanged, then you should definitely “butt” with a traumatologist (preferably a surgeon).Pauline
Hello! I had a non-displaced fracture of the foot bone! 3 weeks in a cast! Tomorrow I have to remove the plaster. Tell me, how long after removing the cast can I go back to work? 12-hour workday on your feet for the entire shift!?
Polina, it is very difficult to answer your question with a 12-hour working day ON YOUR FEET. Work in such a strict regime should be started gradually. You just can't stand it right away. The leg will swell and hurt.
That's why:
1. If possible, you should go to work for 3 – 5 – 7 hours consecutively until you get used to it.
2. in as a last resort– an hour of work – a 20-30 minute break with the need to lie down so that the leg is comfortable.
3. in mandatory do rehabilitation - massage, baths with soothing herbs (the pharmacy will tell you what you can use - what they have), ointments to restore blood circulation (again at the pharmacy).
You will gradually return to your previous rhythm.Catherine
Hello. I have a displaced fracture metatarsal(little finger where). 5 weeks with a splint. Removed. They told me not to step on my feet. How then to develop?
Kate!
Advance, attack and attack again. Only gradually.
Let me give you an example from surgical practice.
The gallstone was removed. Laparoscopy. General anesthesia. The duration of the operation is 2 hours (a large stone that had to be crushed inside using a special container - this is so as not to switch to abdominal surgery).
Wake up from anesthesia for about an hour and twenty in the intensive care unit.
Transfer to the ward.
2 hours after returning from intensive care, the patient slowly gets up and makes the first walk along the corridor - 20 meters there and 20 meters back. Slowly. Holding the seam.
For tomorrow, 3 trips along the corridor and so on.
A week later, discharge.
Same with your option.Anastasia
Hello. A 4-year-old child severely sprained her leg. A non-displaced fracture in the growth plate (ankle) was diagnosed. After two weeks, the splint was removed, and for another two weeks the splint was bandaged with an elastic bandage. Now he walks without a bandage. The lameness is very bothersome (he says it doesn’t hurt). Two weeks have passed since the elastic bandage was removed, and the lameness does not go away.
Anastasia, you should see a doctor. It is advisable to take a photo (let him assign it). The situation is not normal for this age.
Samira
Thank you so much for your answer!!) I heard and read about Dikul. My dad fell off his bike when he was young and broke his spine. It was according to Dikul’s system that they restored him. Now he’s walking, alive and well!)
Thank you for giving me hope!
Samira
Good afternoon She broke her left ankle and landed unsuccessfully with a parachute. The cast was applied on June 12, 2017, and should be removed on July 3, 2017. I read the comments, but, unfortunately, I did not find the answer to this question.
I often do sports for myself: training in the gym, frequent jogging. I read from you that the bone heals completely within a year. Please tell me how long it will take for me to study physical activity? Do you really have to wait a whole year?! I love sports very much, I jogged regularly... And I have absolutely no idea how to live without it now. How soon will I be able to jog at least at low speed?
I am 24 years old.
Thank you!
After restoring the integrity of the damaged bone and removing the plaster cast, complications associated with long-term immobility of the limb inevitably arise.
Rehabilitation after an ankle fracture has vital importance to restore the functionality of the ankle. If you neglect the rehabilitation period, there is a high probability of developing joint stiffness, regular swelling of soft tissues, lameness and inability to withstand physical activity.
Rehabilitation methods
The essence of recovery techniques after an ankle fracture is to ensure early start rehabilitation program and its completion after the return of leg functionality.
The success of the program largely depends on its complexity: medications, physiotherapeutic procedures, therapeutic exercises and massage - all of the above helps to quickly restore the functions of the limb.
On the path to recovery, you need to optimize blood circulation, get rid of swelling, increase muscle strength, tissue regeneration, and strengthen joints.
The rehabilitation program begins immediately after removal of the plaster cast, subject to a positive result x-ray examination. About the features individual species rehabilitation course we'll talk below.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed after completion immobilization period. Immediately after removing the plaster cast, most patients experience stiffness in foot movements, pain when walking, and slight lameness.
Thanks to a course of physiotherapy, normal mobility of the foot is restored, metabolism and blood circulation are improved, and swelling is reduced. In addition, physiotherapeutic techniques help relieve pain syndrome, elimination stagnation and bruises.
Patients are prescribed electrophoresis with simultaneous administration of novocaine, phonophoresis with injections of hydrocortisone. Magnetic therapy, amplipulse therapy, ozokerite, and UHF are effective. The number of procedures is determined by the doctor individually, but on average the patient needs to undergo from 10 to 15 sessions using each method.
Massage
It is advisable to start massaging the injured leg as early as possible - immediately after removing the cast. To prevent the procedure from causing pain, painkillers (gels or ointments) are applied to the limb before it is performed.
Massage procedures can reduce swelling, normalize blood and lymph circulation, and improve metabolism. The standard course of treatment includes 10 – 20 sessions. At the end of the massage, an elastic bandage is applied to the ankle.
If you wish, you can learn how to massage yourself. During a massage, it is important to measure own strength and the real needs of their application so as not to cause harm to the still painful lower leg.
Physiotherapy
Physical education is considered the main - indispensable - means of restoring functionality after a limb fracture.
If the pain becomes too noticeable during exercise, you should reduce the intensity of the exercises. Regularity of exercise is extremely important: it is not a single workout that gives the effect, but regularity and consistency of exercise.
The basic principle of training is the need to gradually increase loads. The amplitude of movements and duration of training gradually increases.
Therapeutic gymnastics is the best way to develop the ankle and strengthen the ligaments, which will restore the functionality of the damaged leg.
Note! Complete return of function of the injured limb occurs approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the start of rehabilitation. However, if there has been a displacement, recovery may take six months.
Physical exercises and rehabilitation stages
Exercises therapeutic exercises have their own characteristics depending on the patient’s condition. At the first stage - while wearing the cast - a gentle approach is used. At the second stage - after removing the plaster cast - the exercises become more intense.
Therapeutic gymnastics during the immobilization period
1.5 - 2 weeks after applying the plaster, the doctor recommends starting simple exercises. Classes are carried out first right in bed, and later - while moving on crutches.
An approximate list of exercises for the first stage:
- Tension and relaxation of the thigh and calf muscles. Each approach contains 20–30 tensions and relaxations.
- Movement of the toes. It is recommended to perform this exercise every hour - 10 minutes.
- Alternately lift both legs up. It is advisable to raise the limbs as high as possible. The number of repetitions for each approach is from 5 to 7.
- Swing the injured leg in different directions (forward, sideways, back). When performing the exercise, you should lean on a reliable surface, which can be a wall, furniture or crutches. The number of repetitions is from 7 to 12 times.
- The exercise is identical to the one described above, but this time you should hold your leg in the air for 1 to 3 minutes.
Therapeutic exercises after plaster removal
The plaster cast is removed after the bone has completely fused in the correct position. Most often, this procedure is performed 3 to 6 weeks after the fracture.
After the recovery period, the loads are increased, and the training is supplemented with new exercises. At first, you can do 4 workouts per week, but after 1 - 2 weeks it is recommended to switch to a daily training regimen.
Below is sample list Exercises recommended during rehabilitation after an ankle fracture:
- Alternating walking on toes and heels. The duration of the exercises is from 5 to 10 minutes.
- Deep squats. At first, it is permissible to lift your heels off the surface, but in the future you should strive for squats without lifting your heels off the floor. The number of repetitions of the exercise is from 4 to 8 times.
- Jumping in different directions - 8 – 15 repetitions per approach.
- Running with side steps, running in place. Running duration is 3 – 10 minutes.
- Alternating support on the inner and outer parts of the foot. The number of repetitions of the exercise is 10 – 12 times per approach.
- Rolling a gymnastic stick, tennis ball or any similar object with your foot.
- Grasping and holding small objects (such as a pen) with your toes
- Pulling your socks towards you and in the opposite direction.
- Elevation jumps.
- Walking up the stairs.
Contraindications
Physiotherapeutic procedures are not prescribed or are recommended to be carried out with precautions in the following cases:
- unsatisfactory general state patient;
- unstable injury;
- bleeding or its high probability;
- oncological diseases;
- decompensation of chronic diseases;
- any disease in the acute stage;
- mental pathologies that complicate contact between patient and doctor;
- blood diseases;
- purulent processes in which outflow does not occur;
- pregnancy.
After osteosynthesis, physiotherapy using ultrasound and inductothermy are contraindicated. The fact is that ultrasonic waves create a cavitation effect between the bone and the metal, resulting in instability of the connection at the fracture site.
In addition, the magnetic field heats the metal structures and causes absorption of bone tissue, which leads to deterioration in the quality of the connection.
A rehabilitation program to restore the functional characteristics of the ankle is no less important than timely and qualified treatment of a fracture. It is recommended not to neglect such procedures.
Proper rehabilitation after an ankle fracture will significantly speed up full recovery and restoration of working capacity.
Rehabilitation for an ankle fracture is the most common type of injury in traumatology. A fracture occurs when there is a strong bend inward or outward. Rehabilitation after a broken ankle involves massages, warm baths, and physiotherapy. During this period, to return the leg to its former performance, it is necessary to use its motor mechanisms.
Patients should not ignore the doctor's recommendations, as this may result in various complications, after which recovery process it's much more difficult. Bad consequence Usually there is a lameness that lasts forever.
Rehabilitation period
Often, rehabilitation after a broken ankle after removing the cast requires a long recovery time, and this is due to the fact that the leg for a long time is motionless.
Usually the doctor suggests recovery procedures while the injured leg is still in a cast. During the second week after the injury, the doctor takes an x-ray of the leg, which indicates that the patient is beginning to recover, and after this, exercises are prescribed to restore the motor functions of the leg.
To start performing the exercises, you must be supervised by an instructor; he can select a set of exercises that will give the patient the most effective effect.
The essence of recovery exercises is to increase the load.
The Importance of Physiotherapy
During rehabilitation, physical therapy is an important part. This method will help relieve swelling and also improve blood circulation. With the help of physiotherapy bone recovers much faster and becomes stronger.
These manipulations shorten the recovery process and make it productive.
After completing the above methods of recovery, exercise therapy is prescribed; it is important because it is aimed at renewing propulsion systems and muscle elasticity.
At first, physical exercises should be done under the supervision of a specialist, after which you can do them on your own. For the first time, the exercises should be done for no more than ten minutes.
Foot massage
In addition to this exercise therapy complex, it is necessary to perform a massage in the morning and before bed in a sitting position. First, you will need to acquire an ointment with an anesthetic effect, which will be required during a massage. Since the leg has not yet developed, massage may cause slight discomfort. Massage will require movements such as rubbing, shaking, squeezing and stroking. All movements must be repeated about ten times. For better recovery You need to warm up the injured leg well, including the heel and ankle.
Physiotherapy
As a supplement to exercise therapy exercises, doctors advise:
- Make swings crosswise. They will take about 30 seconds to complete. This exercise is performed with support on a chair to maintain balance.
- Swing your legs to the side and pause for a few seconds at the top point;
- Raising a bent leg at the knee with a pause for a couple of seconds at the top point.
- Raising the leg back without bending the lower back, also with a pause for a few seconds.
An excellent exercise for rehabilitation after a broken ankle would be simple walking, and a simple staircase would be suitable as an exercise machine.
Exercise therapy during recovery is aimed mainly at a step-by-step return motor functions ankle Exercise therapy helps in the fight against swelling of the leg, and it is also an excellent prevention against the development of flat feet and curvature of the toes of the injured leg.
Doctors also prescribe additional exercises for the complex: holding objects with your toes, bending and rolling a small can with your foot.
Walking on your heels and toes is also a great recovery exercise. The rehabilitation period largely depends on the injury received and its nature. If you do not resort to therapeutic exercises during the recovery period, the fracture may create serious complications, which in the future will be quite difficult to cure without surgery.
Rehabilitation after a displaced ankle fracture
Visual signs that identify this fracture:
- Irregular contour of joints;
- Tumor;
- Mobility of the fracture site;
- Piercing pain;
- Appearance;
- Temperature;
- Shock from injury.
In all types of displaced fractures, vascular and nerve damage joints. The victim is unable to move without crutches. Without timely assistance, complications will arise that can lead to paralysis.
Operation
Depending on the severity of this type of fracture, either surgery or conservative treatment. For proper bone fusion, the displacement must first be eliminated; this will determine normal look legs, as well as motor functions of the damaged area.
Symptoms for surgical intervention:
- Insertion of soft tissue between bone fragments;
- Compression of nerves and blood vessels;
- Inability to manually connect bone fragments;
Often, surgery is performed when displacement occurs on the outer part of the foot, as well as in case of a combined fracture or dislocation.
The effect of surgery and the subsequent position of the injured leg will depend on proper rehabilitation.
Leg wounds heal within two weeks after surgery. The patient needs to undergo constant dressings. To ensure complete rest, the leg is placed in a cast. Motor functions are limited for proper bone healing. The patient will have to use crutches for mobility purposes.
Initial recovery lasts 4-8 weeks after surgery. Crutches can be put aside, but should be done minimum pressure on the joint. To restore motor functions of the injured leg, it is necessary to do physical therapy. If the condition of the leg is normal, then doctors remove screws and plates from the affected limb.
After this, for 2-3 weeks you need to gradually increase the load on the leg. To monitor the recovery process after 4 weeks, you need to take an x-ray. If no pathology is observed, then you need to start putting full load on the joint.
Rehabilitation after a broken ankle after removing the cast must be carried out competently. Most frequent injury lower extremities is the ankle joint of the leg. It occurs as a result of a strong blow to the leg when turning up or jumping from a height, while playing sports, or falling with an unsuccessful landing. classified by the type of injury, by the presence of displacement, by the location of the injury, by the direction of the fracture and can be of varying complexity: open or closed, with, with ligament rupture, with or without displacement, pronation, rotation, supination, external or internal malleolus, with involvement bones, bimalleolar or trimalleolar. Depending on the degree of complexity of the fracture, the treatment and rehabilitation process of the victim differs.
In any case, during this period a person’s physical activity is significantly limited. Typically, a person who suffers a broken ankle will have to spend 4-7 weeks in a cast. Rehabilitation after removal of the cast may take another 1-2 weeks. If a person has suffered an ankle fracture without complications, treatment is quite easy, and the rehabilitation process will be faster. If the fracture was accompanied surgical intervention, there was a two-ankle or three-ankle, this delays the treatment process and complicates the person’s rehabilitation period, because the bone is fractured in 2 or 3 places, injuring tissue, tendons and muscles. Human motor activity during this period is significantly limited. Firstly, because it takes time for the ligaments to contract and heal. Secondly, for complete healing of the broken bone.
Removal of plaster after a fracture is always a long-awaited event: you can fully move and move around.
Types of rehabilitation after a fracture and removal of plaster
Depending on the degree of complexity of the fracture rehabilitation period can last from 7 to 21 days, medicine suggests following conditions rehabilitation for get well soon patient after an ankle fracture:
- massages;
- electromagnetic therapy (heating, electrophoresis, ultraviolet exposure);
- hydrotherapy;
- physiotherapy.
Features of the rehabilitation period
After surgery, fracture and long stay in a cast, the leg becomes inactive and weak. To restore strength, mobility and the previous gait to the leg, as well as to avoid lameness, the joint must be well developed. This will require efforts not only on the part of rehabilitation doctors, but also desire and perseverance on the part of the patient himself. In the first time after removing the cast, motor activity is reduced, the patient cannot fully move, so it is necessary to purchase an elbow crutch for comfortable support when walking and to ease the load on the injured leg. The crutch can be used for no more than 2 weeks, then it should be abandoned so as not to form the habit of lameness.
After removing the plaster cast, the patient is prescribed a course electromagnetic therapy, it includes electrophoresis, ultrasound sessions, warming up the joint, and mud baths. All these procedures are painless and necessary to relieve swelling and full recovery proper blood circulation in the leg.
After completing the course of electromagnetic therapy, the patient is prescribed massotherapy lasting at least 5 days to develop the muscles and ligaments of the leg that have lost mobility, elasticity and endurance to physical activity while the leg remains immobile under the cast. Massage can be performed throughout the rehabilitation period.
Therapeutic massage helps to gradually develop the joint, restore lymph and blood circulation in the affected leg and return it to its previous mobility. The massage consists of light circular movements at the fracture site with alternate flexion and extension of the limb. The procedure is performed either by a doctor or by the patient himself, who will then be able to conduct self-massage sessions at home. During this period, it is necessary to take warm baths for the joint at least 2 times a day for 5 days. The water should be warm; it is recommended to add 20 g of sea salt per 1 liter of water. During the rehabilitation period you can use medicinal ointments, gels, creams and rubs for legs, muscles and tendons. Your doctor will help you choose the right medications.
After completing the course of electromagnetic therapy and massage, and sometimes in combination with massage, the patient is prescribed physical therapy. This is an integral part of the treatment and recovery process and must be followed. It is a set of simple exercises with gradual increase physical activity on the affected leg. As a rule, exercise therapy is prescribed to fully develop and restore mobility of the ankle joint, first every other day, then daily. You need to start restoring the functioning of the joint with light exercises without physical stress on the leg, gradually adding load.
A set of exercises after an ankle fracture and plaster removal
You can do the following exercises at home:
- I.P. standing, straight back, holding onto a support, throw your legs back and forth alternately at a slow pace. Repeat 20 times.
- I.P. sitting on a chair, straight back, straighten your leg horizontally to the floor, lean on your heel: bend and straighten your toes at a slow pace with acceleration. Repeat 10 times for 3 sets.
- I.P. sitting on a chair, straight back, make circular movements ankle joint in both directions alternately. Repeat 10 times on each side.
- Turn your legs to the sides. I.P. sitting on a chair, back straight, vertical to the back of the chair, without lifting your leg off the floor, turn your foot left and right alternately, at a slow pace. Repeat 15 times.
- Bend your knees. I.P. sitting on a chair, straight back, vertical to the back of the chair, pull the bent leg towards the stomach. Repeat 10 times for 3 sets at a fast pace.
- I.P. standing, holding onto a support, stretching the leg back and forth, changing the position of the body and bending back and forth, stretching the toe up as much as possible. Repeat at a slow pace 10 times in each direction.
- I.P. standing, holding onto a support, stretch your leg forward, holding it suspended for 8-10 seconds. Repeat 8-10 times slowly.
- I.P. shoulder stand, toes up, 10 seconds. Repeat 3 times for 3 approaches.
- I.P. lying on your back, without spreading your legs, lift in vertical position. Repeat 10-15 times.
- I.P. sitting on a chair, straight back, vertical to the back of the chair, feet together, step on the floor with both feet at the same time, slowly, gently, sharply raising your legs up. Repeat 10 times.
In addition to therapeutic physical exercises, the restoration of a damaged limb is greatly helped by walking on a flat road, walking up stairs (downwards the load is greater), walking on toes and heels on flat and sloping terrain, moving and grasping objects with your feet, circular movements of your feet in the air, walking on the floor in a half-squat, walking backwards, sideways.
Throughout the entire rehabilitation period, it is necessary to put an elastic bandage on the sore leg, fixing it, and be sure to perform physical exercise to avoid bone displacement, ligament and tendon sprains.
You can remove the bandage at night or when your leg is at rest.
During the rehabilitation period, you need to remember about vitamins and preparations that strengthen bones, containing calcium, magnesium, zinc, and take them regularly, because comprehensive rehabilitation more effective in the patient’s recovery process.
What exercises are prohibited after an ankle fracture?
During the rehabilitation period after a broken ankle, running, leaning on the injured leg, jumping, walking on the outside and inner sides feet, intense physical exercise lower limbs, walking along the road with obstacles, long walks over long distances, cycling, exercise active species sports, walking in heels, strength training, dancing.
Therapeutic gymnastics will help restore motor activity after treatment in short time, return a person to full everyday and work capacity.
Rehabilitation after a fracture is a long and complex process. During this period, the leg should not be subjected to heavy physical activity or injury. The predominant type of activity is walking and strolling. You can continue to wear the elastic bandage if you feel discomfort without it until complete recovery.
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