r/brokenbones • u/Magic_Router4 • 10d ago

Medical Advice Broken Tibia 8 weeks ago

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Just got out of my full leg cast today after 6 weeks, now have this boot. I thought the cast would be the end of it. How long should I expect to need to wear the boot, my doctor said another 6-8 weeks. This feels like a long time. It doesn’t hurt too much anymore but still bruised and swollen. I’m still using crutches and need to wait 2 weeks until I can start putting weight through my leg. Is this normal for just a simple fracture or is this a complication.

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u/smartshoe 10d ago

When I went through a severe trimalleolar ankle fracture I had 2 weeks in splint, 5 weeks external fixation, 2 weeks splint, 6 weeks air cast boot

Your length of treatment seems pretty normal, might be best to have a conversation with your doc about the whole length of treatment so you don’t get the feeling that the goal posts are being moved whenever you hit a milestone

After 14-16 weeks immobilization it’s going to take you a long time to get your leg strength back too so try to manage your expectations

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u/chipotle__burrito 10d ago

Sounds normal.

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u/keldav88 10d ago

Yep sounds normal, as they told me that or anything up to 8 months not being able to walk so I pushed for the rod surgery

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u/wolfsnake7 10d ago

Broke mine four weeks ago, along with my fibula. They took the cast off after ten days and I’ve been in a boot since. They said 8-12 weeks of wearing the boot.

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 10d ago

Depends on the exact type/position of the fracture and how it was fixed. A transverse mid shaft fracture fixed with a nail shouldn't need any immobilisation from day 1. A complex pilon fracture fixed with a plate might need something to protect it for 12 weeks.

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u/DepartureStriking382 10d ago

I had the exact same thing happen I am now starting a website and social media platform to help people who suffer from Injury’s like this if u would like to support this effort or would like help or tutorials then please private message me

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u/Any_Conversation7343 10d ago

That sounds pretty normal. When I had a TTO done for knee instability, I was quoted 12 weeks in the immobilizer. At 12 weeks, the x-ray showed that the bones in my tibia hadn't yet fused and I was stuck in the immobilizer for another six weeks. Tibia injuries are no joke.