Persistent ipsilateral foot swelling was present in Most of the swellings subsided with time, but a small percentage of them persisted for a duration of 2 years or more after injury. The time for disappearance of the swelling in 50 per cent of the patients was Shin pain generally occurs from overuse. This problem can come from irritation of the muscles or other tissues in the lower leg or from a stress fracture.
This injury is most common in runners who increase their mileage or the intensity of their running, or who change the surface on which they are running. The medial tibial plateau now lies either in line with or posterior to the medial femoral condyle. Depressed fracture A depressed skull fracture is a type of fracture usually resulting from blunt force trauma, such as getting struck with a hammer, rock or getting kicked in the head.
Your doctor may tell you not to put weight on your leg for several weeks to months as the bone heals. Properly-fitted crutches or a walker will help you get around during this time. Some types of fractures can heal with weight bearing, but you will likely wear a rigid boot to provide stability for walking. The distal end of the tibia widens to assist with weight-bearing. The medial malleolus is a bony projection continuing inferiorly on the medial aspect of the tibia.
It articulates with the tarsal bones to form part of the ankle joint. Ice and elevation. Prop up the injured arm or leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the first 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling and pain. Medial condyle is much larger and bears more weight.
The medial and lateral condyle of the tibia are shown in figure 1. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the tibia is the most common long bone in the body to fracture. A tibia fracture refers to any crack or breaks in the tibia bone. The tibia is one of two bones that make up the lower leg, the other being the fibula. The tibia is the larger of these two bones. A fracture of the upper tibia can occur from stress minor breaks from unusual excessive activity or from already compromised bone as in cancer or infection.
Most, however, are the result of trauma injury. Patients with tibia plateau fractures are at risk for a serious condition called compartment syndrome. This occurs when the pressure in the leg gets too high for blood and oxygen to circulate.
Eventually, the muscle will die if this goes untreated. Signs of this syndrome are severe pain with stretch of the big toe, loss of sensation in the foot or pain out of proportion to the injury itself. This is a surgical emergency. These tests may feel like your doctor is trying to torture you when you already have a broken bone but this exam is very important.
X-rays are used to evaluate the location and severity of the broken bone. This helps doctors and patients make an informed decision on treatment. Often 2 or more x-rays are taken to show the injury pattern. A CT Computed Tomography scan is often ordered to help plan treatment and surgery. Sometimes an MRI is ordered for small fractures or to help diagnose stress fractures that do not show up on plain x-rays.
Some fracture patterns and types do not need surgery for the bone to heal. Small breaks or those with good overall alignment often can be treated without an operation. Nonsurgical treatment is also recommended for adults with poor overall health, fragile or chronically infected skin and less active patients. Knee immobilizers, hinged knee braces and casts are all used to treat these injuries depending on the fracture type and patient characteristics. If non-operative care is chosen, regular follow-up care for a physical exam and x-rays is important to ensure that the fracture stays in good position and heals appropriately.
Cutting down or quitting smoking and tight blood sugar control if you are a diabetic is important for the healing process. One fall or continued lack of compliance with casting, bracing or early walking against medical advice can cause bones to move and result in the need for surgery. Depending on health and injury pattern this bone can take months to heal without surgery. Physical therapy for knee range of motion is started around 6 weeks once bone has healed enough to prevent displacement with motion.
Surgeons may recommend an operation to fix the broken tibia if the pieces are displaced, if the bone sticks out of the skin, if skin is at risk for dying or if the bone is unstable due to the fracture type. The injury is usually fixed with metal plates and screws placed through a large incision. The type of fracture usually dictates what types of incisions and how many plates and screws are needed.
Sometimes bone graft or types of bone cement are needed to support the joint surface. During these surgeries injured meniscus or tendons are repaired as well. Surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients are admitted overnight after these types of procedures to watch for any breathing problems or development of compartment syndrome. I also did a lot more crutching around inside and outside the house to build up my stamina. I would put just enough weight through my injured leg and walk heel to toe then follow through with my good leg.
My outings were also starting to pick up as well and I focused all my energy on building my leg muscles.
I suffered a lot of foot and ankle pain in those early weight bearing days. Go figure. I had to work on regaining and using all my muscles. I also suffered a lot of lower back pain. Your gait tends to get thrown off and wonky when you walk with a limp. This post does contain an affiliate link. I receive a small fee and it costs you nothing extra; however, it helps me cover expenses for my blog. Thank you in advance. In between weeks, I would sneak a few steps in here and there just to see if I could walk on my own without any crutches.
I had to will myself to take a step with my injured leg. It was so heavy. I literally walked like Herman Munster with my arms outstretched and it felt more like I was dragging my leg instead of walking. I do wish I would have videoed some of those first awful steps. Of course, I cried because I wanted to just go back to my normal walk. It was so frustrating. Then September 10th Hurricane Irma showed up. It was also around this time that I noticed a red spot on my shin about the size of quarter.
I was so paranoid of anything that showed up on my leg or scar. I was terrified of infection. I knew if it grew over the next few hours, that I was probably a goner. Luckily, I woke up the next morning and my flesh was still intact. I still had no clue what it was. Then one day I got out of the shower and was putting on lotion and noticed in the mirror a large red spot on the side of my left breast. Was I having an allergic reaction to the metal in my leg?
It finally dawned on me that I had been taking a Glucosamine Chondroitin supplement and I thought as rare as it was, maybe I was having an allergic reaction to that. I stopped taking it and kept an eye on the spots. The spots continued to appear but came with a vengeance on my trunk and back area. Even with stopping the supplement. I finally called my primary care doctor and went in to get it checked. I know what this is. I went into his office and sat down.
The spot on your leg is called a Herald patch which is classic of this rash. It should clear up after that. Is it contagious?
News to me. I was trying to hold back tears, but they flowed so easily these days. You seem to be very upset? I began the steroid dose pack and within a few days, I noticed a difference, but that ugly rash took several more weeks to completely clear up.
I do remember having a slight sore throat for a day and a very runny nose for a couple of days. Then a week or so later the red patch appeared on my leg. I likely picked up the virus along my infirmary travels. Thanks immune system! Finally, September 19th rolled around and I went back for my 15 week postoperative visit and I had another set of x-rays taken. The images on right were taken October 31st.
I forgot to ask for my images at this particular visit. I wanted to jump off the table and hug my surgeon. He said he would see me again on Halloween. I also was released to go back to my office 2 days a week and work 3 days from home. Once I walked out his office door, I literally walked to our car without my crutches. All that time in-between allowed me to build muscle and stamina. I bought a cane and would go between that and one crutch for the next week. I also returned to work the next week and used my cane at work those first 2 days back.
After that, I was able to walk unassisted. It felt so good to be free again. And I could double fist a coffee in one hand and an orange juice in the other in the morning and walk at the same time.
Oh happy day! Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I worked the next several weeks on my limp and stamina. The more I was able to walk, the faster time seemed to go again. Week by week my foot and ankle pain lessened. I also purchased a desk cycle for under my desk so I could rehab my leg while I worked.
It took some practice but I got proficient at cycling while typing. By the time my next appointment rolled around on Halloween I had been discharged from physical therapy and my doctor said everything looked great and was completely healed.
I told him I have a lot of discomfort from my hardware when I walk, and he said we could take out the hardware in one year and we would discuss it at my next visit in April He released me to go back to work 4 days a week and work one day from home.
I guess that brings us to present date. I have found a happy medium through trial and error. In addition to using a cycle at work, I exercise my leg in the mornings when I get up. I walk several times a week around my block. Some days we will take a drive to the beach so I can work different muscles and also work on my gait walking on the sand.
The ocean and sunshine are an added bonus. It has already improved compared to when I first began walking. As my leg strengthens more, I am working on that. I never was much of a runner as far as running as a mode of exercise, but I would like to be able to run from danger…or a bee!
I do think that will come in time. My fractured knee is starting to look more like my other. I still suffer from ankle swelling from time to time. Nothing a little R. I do suffer from constant knee pain with walking. If you look closely at the photo below you can see my herald patch that decided to hang around for the holidays! This injury remains a part time job. I will tell you that every morning the second my feet hit the ground, I say a prayer of gratitude.
Walking is something I will never take for granted again! This has certainly been a journey, and it is by no means over yet, but at this stage I am fairly active and doing just about everything I did before my injury. I will update my progress from time to time. I do hope to get back to some normalcy in my life and some new recipe posts.
With the holiday baking season upon us, that should be easy to do. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am 15 weeks post-surgery and still cannot walk without crutches. TPF is a horrid injury that happens in a moment then robs us of dignity and independence. By sharing you have helped me and others know that we will walk again, just got to keep on with the exercise. You are exactly correct about the exercise.
Rehabbing the leg is a part time job and you have to find the go between of not overdoing it and exercising it enough to build muscle. Early on, the pool really helped me. Just keep rehabbing that leg and trust me, you will walk again! This injury takes at least 1 -3 years for full recovery and is so unique for everyone from our breaks, to surgical vs nonsurgical, to our recoveries.
A positive attitude really goes a long way with this injury. Best of luck to you. Thank you for telling your story,i am 4 days post surgery with a similar injury from a tree trunk hitting my knee,i am 50 and was very concerned about recovery. After reading your story ,i now know there is hard work ahead but it will pay off. Know one tells you anything about your injury or how it will feel so i was lucky to find your experience as i just started on the net to find some hope. Thank you again and i hope you are walking in the sun.
Hi Andrew. I was so concerned about my recovery as well and really had to research to find others who suffered this injury. There were a few forums on the internet I stumbled upon, but most of them were doom and gloom. I steered clear of those and sought out more positive stories from others who have suffered this injury and made great recoveries. Physical therapy, exercise, nutrition and vitamin supplementation are all so important as well as a positive attitude. Thank you for sharing. Tomorrow marks 4 months since surgery.
I am having to learn to walk again definitely a challenge. Rom is not good at the moment, bending my leg is out of the question for now, dew to fear I think and pain. I was released to go back to work and live life best I can. I am going Friday to the pool I hope that triggers my brain to help me walk.. Hi Tammy. This injury takes a long time to heal from.
It can take anywhere from years for healing, even though the bone has mended, there is still a lot of healing going on in there. I have tolerable discomfort when I walk due to the hardware, but my surgeon said we can take it out at one year mark if it is still bothering me. Just keep plugging away, you will walk unassisted again! Can you share where you found yours? Hi Karen! I purchased it through Amazon. I love my desk cycle!
It really has made my leg stronger and burning calories while working is a bonus! Thankyou all for sharing your stories about your injuries. It has been a little over 3 months since my injury and I want this now. After reading all of your stories I am probably right where I should be with this injury as well as very fortunate. You all are very inspiring and please know you all have my blessings as im right there with you with the tears and wanting to walk again.
Patience and alot of hard hard work and determination is exactly what I see. Thankyou all as you have given me the hope I needed!! I am now limping pretty good without assistance. But, I am up and in the world of the working. The limping sure tires me out quick. Saw your picture of you walking on the beach, I am hoping this July I can walk on the beach. What about the knee popping?
The stronger your leg gets, the less limping you will have. I still have a very slight limp and may always have it, or at least until or if my hardware comes out. It feels so different from my other leg, but not as foreign as it felt during the early stages of recovery, if that makes sense.
On the other hand, it would be nice to know how the knee feels and holds up. Ooo yes, the falling scare is definitely there, I hope to not fall. That was a bummer to hear. So strengthening the muscles in the leg is the key to no limping hopefully. I am 3 weeks post-op and every day is feeling like an hour has gone by. I was an avid skier, runner, yogi, and hiker before my injury and now I see my. Thank you for sharing your story! Hi Renee.
So sorry to hear about your injury. While we all have unique breaks and recoveries we all share commonalities with this injury. I wish you a blessed recovery. Hello, I hope all is well with everyone.
Tammy, my advice would be to call your surgeon and see if he wants to evaluate you. Always err on the side of safety. More than likely everything is ok. Hope you heal fast and well. Hi Sherri. I am 11 weeks post op and terrified of when I take my first step. My husband has really had a tough time dealing with my injury and when I heard how much time it has taken to walk without crutches…..
I broke down. This has been my second major injury…. Then six months later had a hysterectomy and a perforated colon after that! I am 54 and feel so depressed over this. I will work hard to rehab but feel overwhelmed for sure.
Thanks for posting about your journey…. I hope he understands just how serious an injury this is. Please know that it will get better. Keep the faith and work hard at your physical therapy. This injury is something I have to work at everyday. I wish you all the best in your recovery. Thanks for the encouragement!
We have allot in common….. I owned a catering business for several years. Last night was a tough night emotionally and today is much better!
I will continue to work hard so I can put this behind me. Thanks again! Hi, Sherri. I really appreciate your inspiring and encouraging blog. I sustained a TPF this past Christmas in a ski accident. Then I found your blog, which I found very relatable, eased my worries and gave me reason for hope.
Prior to my injury, I was in the best shape of my life and was very active — skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, running and competing in dance. I have a limp when I walk unassisted, and my knee, ankle and foot definitely get tired and sore at the day, but the improvement in the past couple of weeks in particular is very encouraging. After reading your blog, I also bought a Desk Cycle, which I keep at work, and love it!
My surgeon thinks I should be able to ease back in to some of my prior activities soon. Have you recovered you full extension yet? If so, at what point did this happen for you, and what exercise did you find most effective toward this end?
Thanks again for sharing your experiences, which I found so helpful in keeping my spirits up! Hope your healing process also continues to go well, and I look forward to your next updates! I have to say my extension came back before I was full weight bearing around 15 weeks PO. I would put a 5 lb Velcro weight around my ankle or sit it on my knee and rest my heel on the coffee table or stool and let gravity do the work. You can also lay on your tummy on the bed and let your legs dangle over the side.
Try not to get too freaked out over it. You will eventually get there. My flexion is functional at 10 months out but not fully what is was before. I try not to let it bother me, but I still work on it. This recovery is a bitch and we can make gains years out. The trick is to never give up.
Happy healing! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I feel like most people I talk to who have broken their tibia have broken it close to the ankle, rather than the knee, which is definitely a different type of healing experience. I had surgery to put in a metal plate and screws in June and now I am just trying to get back to point A.
The biggest issue I have is just the knee pain from walking, and that pain then translating to my left leg because of having to overcompensate. Do you have any recommendations for easing the pain?
Especially when you know you are going on a long walk? I know you said you might get your hardware removed pretty soon, if that stops or at least decreases the pain please let me know. All the physicians I have spoken to just tell me that the hardware is fine and they no longer need to remove it anymore, and that the pain I feel is just from leg weakness. But if that is what is causing this pain I definitely want it out!
Hi Marina. Wow our horse riding accidents were literally a week apart. I try to use homeopathic remedies for my knee. I still use anti inflammatories when I get swelling. I also have started making and drinking bone both a couple of times a day which they say helps arthritis. I still have leg weakness as well. I work on my exercises daily. My quad is still lacking, well all of my left leg muscles really. But I can tell my leg strength has improved and it definitely makes walking easier.
Thanks sooo much for sharing your story with us. Its really an inspiration. My next apomnt is on next week n hopefully that day Doctor will released me to full weight bearing. Can you guide me where to go on the internet to help myself to start trying a little to learn how to walk by myself?
You are a big inspiration. I literally scoured the internet and Youtube for videos of how to walk. No matter how you slice it, you need muscle strength in your leg to walk and walk correctly. You will probably walk like a zombie in the first stages of walking again, but with rehab and practice, you will get much better at it and faster.
It just takes time, which seems to be the theme of this injury right? Wish you all the best in your continued recovery. Thanks so much Sherri for your quick response. You such a big inspiration for those who are walking this hard process. Another thing I forgot to ask you, is if you are, or if you had any type of discomfort, or pain on the side where the plate is?
Im noticing since few days ago, that when I walk I feel so. I really hope, and have faith my bone is completly heal and Doctor give me that news Im waiting for. Last thing Sherri, how your leg feel when your bone was completly heal? I ask that question to check on mine n see if I can tell on my leg????. Thanks so very much. God bless you in a big way for tje idea of posting all your experience. Hi Rachel. Yes, every time I walk I feel the long plate. My whole knee area feels like it has a vice grip around it.
I get shin splints as well. Building muscle and stamina definitely helps, but nothing takes away that feeling of the metal in my leg. It was hard to walk and I have daily residual pain. It becomes a new normal that you adjust to. I also know that my leg is still healing even this far out and I have hope that things will continue to improve.
Thats is true, you wish you had your old body again. Im 41 yrs old, and I said that everyday. I know its a process, but Im glad Im moving forward too, like you have. My good leg right one gives me a little of discomfort, I think its because I still putting more weight on it, and it gets tired, but I try that not to win over me.
I talk to my legs????
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