Healing Fibula Fractures: What Are Your Options?
Healing Fibula Fractures: What Are Your Options?
Why It Matters
Fibula fractures can be painful and limit your mobility. Knowing your treatment options can help you get back on your feet faster.
Contents
- Initial Treatment Approaches
- When Surgery Is Needed
- Rehabilitation Process
Initial Treatment Approaches
For most fibula fractures, initial treatment involves immobilization with a splint, along with icing and elevation to reduce swelling. Pain relief is managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
When Surgery Is Needed
Complex or displaced fractures may require surgical intervention. This usually involves stabilizing the bone with screws or plates to ensure proper healing.
Rehabilitation Process
Once healing is underway, physical therapy can help restore strength and flexibility. Exercises focus on ankle mobility and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
FAQs
How are fibula fractures initially treated?
Immobilization, icing, and pain relief are key initial treatments.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is needed for complex or displaced fractures.
What role does physical therapy play?
Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility after healing.
The Bottom Line
Understanding your treatment options can empower you and aid in quicker recovery.
Additional References
- Walters BB, Constant D, Anand P. Fibula fractures. In: StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL) 2020.
- McConnell T, Creevy W, Tornetta P 3rd. Stress examination of supination external rotation-type fibular fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004; 86-A:2171.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.