The tibia is the long bone located in the lower leg between the knee and the foot. Tibia fractures are common and are usually caused by injury or by continual pressure on the bone. A fracture means "break."
In some cases, the only symptom of a small fracture is shin pain when walking. In more severe cases, the tibia bone may protrude through the skin.
Long bones in the body are powerful, but sometimes tibia fractures can occur for one of the following reasons:
Traumatic injuries, such as car accidents or falls
Playing sports that involve continuous impact, such as running long distances
Injuries from contact sports, such as football Osteoporosis, which makes the bones weaker than usual
A localized pain in one or more areas of the tibia
Swelling in the lower leg
Difficulty or inability to stand, walk, or carry weight
Leg deformity or uneven leg length
Presence of bruising or discoloration around the tibia
Feeling changes in the foot
A lump of the tibia bone through the skin
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and how the injury occurred to diagnose a tibia fracture. You will conduct an examination and ask to perform any of the following tests:
MRI is performed in case other imaging tests have not been sufficient to diagnose the problem.
The treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's general health, the cause and severity of the injury, and the presence of damage to the soft tissue surrounding the tibia.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to ensure that the bone heals properly. The Orthopedist Surgeon or Traumatologist can use metal plates and screws to fix the bone in place, allowing optimal bone recovery with minimal long-term damage. This procedure is known as osteosynthesis.
The Orthopedist Surgeon or Traumatologist may also use metal rods or pins to drive them through the bones, above and below the fracture. These will be attached to a rigid frame called an external fixator and will hold the bone in place. The specialist who treats tibia fractures is the Orthopedist or Traumatologist.
Living with Tibia Fracture
Recovery from a tibia fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. Recovery usually takes 4 to 6 months, but it may take longer if the break is all over the bone, or if the fracture is partial.
It may also take longer if the person is in poor health for other reasons. The patient will always have to follow the doctor's recommendations about the proper time to return to walking, exercising, or other physical activities.
Rehabilitation with physical therapy can help strengthen the hips, calves, and thighs, speed up the recovery process, and prevent future injuries. Crutches or a treadmill may need to be used as part of recovery to facilitate mobility.
When should I visit the Doctor?
If you have some of the above symptoms, call your Orthopedist or Traumatologist to book an appointment to diagnose the type of ankle fracture and the most appropriate treatment.
If you suffered a severe blow, an injury with severe pain that prevents normal movement of some of your limbs, the ideal is to go to the emergency room. You can go directly to the BlueNetHospitals Emergency Room in Los Cabos or call an ambulance at 624 1043 911.
When consulting the Orthopedist or Traumatologist, it is advisable to record when the pain started and have a detailed description of the symptoms and duration. If you are taking any medication, it is essential to report it to the specialist. A tibia fracture can be a medical emergency, and you don't have to wait long before seeing a specialist for timely medical care.
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