Because the fibula and tibia are parallel to each other in the lower leg, a break in one of these bones usually precipitates a break in the other. The tibia is the larger of the two and forms the lower leg's chief bone. Fractured tibias and fibulas are generally the result of a major injury, such as forceful twisting, falling on hard ground while running or being in an auto accident. Symptoms of a broken fibula or tibia include pain, leg instability, bone protruding through the skin and periodic numbness of the foot. Recovery time depends on the severity of the break, which may take anywhere from six weeks to several months. Participation in rehabilitation exercises will expedite recovery of a tibia/fibula break.
Ankle Exercise
Ankle exercises can be implemented once the fracture has begun healing and leg movement is accomplished without pain. This exercise strengthens the joint that the fibula composes in the ankle so that flexibility returns to the lower leg. Sit on the floor with the injured leg extended in front of you, and slowly move the ankle up and down without help from your foot muscles. Next, start making easy, circular motions with the ankle, doing about 10 circles before repeating the up and down movements with your ankle. Perform this once or twice daily to strengthen ligaments and tendons connected to the tibia and fibula.
Wobble Board Exercise
Place a small ball under a board about 12 inches in length. While sitting in a chair, put both of your feet near the ends of the wobble board. Push up and down on the board's ends with your feet then move them forward and backward to stretch ligaments and tendons attached to the tibia and fibula. This exercise should be used in the early stages of rehabilitation, when fractures have become stabilized enough to initiate periodically minimal movement. The wobble board exercise can be safely done up to three times daily.
Weight-bearing Exercise
After the injured leg is able to bear weight of the body, you can begin performing this heel exercise, which strengthens both the ankle and bones. Stand behind a table or counter, and grasp the edge of the surface for balance. Now, release the edge for about 30 seconds, allowing your injured leg to absorb the stress of body weight. Stop if you experience any weakness or pain in the leg when placing your weight on the affected tibia/fibula. Weight-bearing exercises also promote balance and stamina when the bones are well on their way to being fully healed.
Swimming
Swimming provides an opportunity for rehabilitation exercises that facilitate recovery for many kinds of injuries. If you have had to wear a cast due to a fibula or tibia break and have recently had it removed, swimming exercises will help strengthen the muscles and bones of the lower leg. Begin by hanging on the side of the pool and extending your legs behind you. Pull your knees toward your chest, then move them out again, repeating 10 times. Walking in the water is another low-impact exercise that is partially weight-bearing and improves bone strength for fractured fibulas and tibias.
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