Can you walk with a hairline fracture in your tibia?
Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to keep weight off an injured foot or leg. You can also wear protective footwear or a cast. Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it’s important to modify your activities during that time.
Can you walk on a hairline fracture ankle?
Although one can walk on a foot with a stress fracture, these tiny hairline breaks should not be ignored as they can return unless properly treated.
What is the treatment for a hairline fracture of the tibia?
A lower leg hairline fracture often is caused by ongoing overuse, such as from regular long-distance running. Your doctor may have put your leg in a brace, splint, or cast to allow it to heal or to keep it stable until you see another doctor. It may take a few weeks to a few months to heal.
How is a hairline fracture of the ankle treated?
Ankle Fracture Treatment Self-Care at Home
- Stay off the injured ankle so you do not injure it further.
- Keep the ankle elevated to help decrease swelling and pain.
- Apply cold packs to the injured area to decrease swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly. Cold packs are effective for up to 48 hours.
Do you need a cast for a hairline fracture?
Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture. You likely won’t need a cast, but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.
Is hairline fracture serious?
Hairline fractures are easily dealt with, but medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent the injury from worsening. Ignoring a hairline fracture can lead to a more serious fracture or break occurring, which is more difficult to treat.
Do I need a cast for a hairline fracture?
Do hairline fractures need a cast?
Is a hairline fracture worse than a break?
There’s no difference between a fracture and a break. A fracture is any loss of continuity of the bone. Anytime the bone loses integrity—whether it’s a hairline crack barely recognizable on an X-ray or the shattering of bone into a dozen pieces—it’s considered a fracture.
Are hairline fractures painful?
The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is pain. This pain can gradually get worse over time, especially if you don’t stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during activity and lessens during rest.
How long does it take for a hairline fracture of the tibia to heal?
Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it’s important to modify your activities during that time. Cycling and swimming are great alternatives to more high-impact exercises.
Can a hairline fracture heal in 1 week?