Rehabilitation Tips for Tibial Fracture Recovery After an Accident - Orthopedics

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Rehabilitation after a tibial fracture, especially following an accident, is crucial for regaining mobility and strength. Given your situation, where you have a small crack in the upper part of your tibia and have been in a cast, it’s important to approach rehabilitation carefully to avoid further injury.


Initial Recovery Phase
In the initial phase after the removal of your cast, your primary focus should be on regaining range of motion (ROM) in your ankle and knee joints. Since you mentioned that you can bend your knee but cannot fully extend it, you should incorporate gentle stretching exercises. Here are some suggestions:
1. Heel Slides: While lying on your back, slide your heel towards your buttocks, bending your knee as much as you can. Hold for a few seconds and then slide it back. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times, several times a day.

2. Ankle Pumps: While sitting or lying down, flex and point your toes. This will help improve circulation and mobility in your ankle.

3. Seated Knee Extensions: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Slowly extend your knee until your leg is straight, hold for a few seconds, and then lower it back down. This can help with knee extension.

4. Gentle Stretching: To improve your ankle dorsiflexion (the ability to pull your toes up towards your shin), you can use a towel or a resistance band. Loop it around your foot and gently pull your toes towards you while keeping your knee straight.


Weight-Bearing and Mobility
As for your mobility, since you can touch the ground but cannot bear weight, it’s advisable to continue using crutches or a walker for support. Transitioning to a single crutch may be appropriate as you gain confidence and strength, but only when you feel stable enough to do so. Here are some tips:
- Use of Crutches: If you are using double crutches, continue to do so until you feel comfortable and stable. As you progress, you can switch to a single crutch on the opposite side of your injury, which will allow you to gradually bear weight on your injured leg.

- Practice Balance: While standing with support, practice shifting your weight from one leg to the other. This will help improve your balance and prepare you for weight-bearing activities.


Gradual Progression
Once you are able to bear weight without pain, you can start incorporating more weight-bearing exercises. This might include:
- Partial Weight-Bearing: Gradually put more weight on your injured leg while using your crutches for support. Start with just a little weight and increase as tolerated.

- Walking: Once you can bear weight comfortably, practice walking with your crutches, focusing on a smooth gait.


Consult a Physical Therapist
It is highly recommended to consult with a physical therapist who can provide a tailored rehabilitation program based on your specific needs and recovery progress. They can guide you through exercises, monitor your progress, and adjust your rehabilitation plan as necessary.


Conclusion
Rehabilitation after a tibial fracture is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Focus on gentle stretching and mobility exercises, use crutches for support, and consult with a physical therapist for personalized guidance. With time and effort, you can regain strength and mobility in your leg, allowing you to return to your normal activities. Always listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain, as this can lead to setbacks in your recovery.