Your tibia is the larger of the two lower leg bones, most commonly thought of as your shinbone. Tibial fractures most commonly occur because of a fall or after a high-impact car accident. Some tibia fractures are so severe they necessitate surgical repair for the bones to repair themselves evenly. In addition to the tibia, your soft tissues, including muscles, also are affected by your fracture. For this reason, rehabilitation often is necessary after breaking your tibia to help you regain range of motion and strength.
Bracing and Healing
Depending upon the type of break and surgical approach -- if any -- utilized, your physician may recommend wearing a brace or cast. This is because tibia fractures typically are more difficult to heal than upper thigh fractures because circulation is not as predominant in the lower leg as it is in the thigh. Wearing a brace for a fracture that did not break the skin takes five to six months while a fracture that breaks the skin may require up to nine months. During this time, your rehabilitation specialist may instruct you in the use of crutches that can reduce the amount of pressure you put on the leg.
Leg Motion
Although you are wearing a brace or cast, your physician will encourage motion in the leg. This maintains circulation in the lower leg and prevents blood clots from forming in the deep veins of your leg. Your physician will recommend rehabilitation exercises like ankle pumps -- moving your feet up and down -- and lower leg lifts -- lifting your lower leg from a seated position. Frequently wiggling your toes also can help with mobilization following injury.
Muscle Strengthening
Because you cannot put weight on your leg while it is healing, it is common to experience some muscular degeneration of the thigh and calf muscles. Your physical therapist may recommend non-weight-bearing exercises while your leg is healing to prevent muscle loss. Examples include the isometric quadriceps contraction. Lie on your back with your legs extended and contract your quadriceps muscles, hold 10 seconds, then release. In the same position, you can point the foot to contract your calf muscles.
Warning
Putting too much weight on your bone is hazardous and may even re-break the bone. Always get approval from your physician before beginning a physical therapy program. Do not perform an exercise if it is painful in any way.
