A tibial plateau fracture can occur due to falls or collisions, usually seen in athletes, or can develop out of fragility issues that can come with age. Common associated injuries with the fracture include meniscal tears, ACL tears and compartment syndrome. If you are recovering from a tibial plateau fracture, you should engage in primarily non-weight bearing rehabilitation exercises for three months.
Resistance Band Plantarflexion Exercise
Sit on an exercise mat with your legs fully extended and slightly apart in front of you. Your feet should be pointing up. Sling a resistance band around the foot of the affected leg and hold the ends of the band tightly. Ensure the resistance band is taut and rests across the ball of your foot, near the toes. This is your starting position. Slowly point your foot forward, stretching the band in the process. If you feel the movement is too strenuous, reduce the resistance in the band by giving some slack. Point your foot forward as much as you can, hold for one count and slowly retract your foot back to its starting position. Do two to three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions. This exercise can also be performed without a resistance band.
Toe Raises
Sit on an exercise bench and plant your feet on the ground at shoulder width. Keep your back straight and position your arms on the bench next to your waist. Raise the toes of the foot on the affected leg, while keeping the heel on the ground. Hold at the top of the movement for one count, then slowly lower the toes back to their starting position. This movement engages your tibialis anterior muscle and your extensor digitorum longus muscle -- muscles that make up the front portion of your calves, near the shin. Do two to three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions. This exercise can also be performed with a resistance band.
Ankle Circles
Stand straight and hold on to a sturdy object positioned at your side, such as a chair. Raise the foot of the affected leg off the ground approximately three inches by bending at the knee. Form a circle with your big toe, rotating your ankle around fully. Perform the movement at a steady, slow pace. After making five to seven complete rotations, set your foot back on the ground and rest for 30 seconds and repeat the sequence four to six times.
Balance Board
Set a balance board in front of you and carefully step on it. Place your right foot firmly on the right side of the board and your left foot firmly on the left side of the board. Try to balance yourself for a moment before beginning the exercise. Begin by slowly shifting your weight to the right, leaning until your right ankle tilts inward. With the use of your calf muscles, shift your weight toward the left until your left ankle tilts inward. This constitutes one repetition. Continue to shift back and forth slowly, completing 10 to 12 repetitions, then rest. Do two to three sets.
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