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Glam Fame Journal

How long does it take to recover from a fractured tibia and fibula?

Author

Victoria Simmons

Updated on March 26, 2026

How long does it take to recover from a fractured tibia and fibula?

Recovery from a tibia-fibula fracture typically takes about three to six months. Your child may be able to heal faster by resting and not putting too much weight on their leg until the bone has healed.

Can you walk with a fractured tibia?

Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. Walking on a fractured tibia is also likely to be extremely painful.

How long does a fractured tibia take to heal?

Most tibial shaft fractures take 4 to 6 months to heal completely. Some take even longer, especially if the fracture was open or broken into several pieces or if the patients uses tobacco products.

How do you treat a broken tibia bone?

Currently, the method most surgeons use for treating tibia fractures is intramedullary nailing. During this procedure, a specially designed metal rod is inserted into the canal of the tibia. The rod passes across the fracture to keep it in position. The intramedullary nail is screwed to the bone at both ends.

How hard is it to break your tibia and fibula?

The tibia and fibula are the two bones of the lower leg. It’s unusual to break both bones, even in contact sports like football. It takes quite a bit of trauma to break both of them at the same time. The footage of the Washington Redskins quarterback, Alex Smith, breaking both of these bones is hard to watch.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

How to heal a bone fracture as fast as possible

  1. Fracture management – Including closed reduction (bone alignment through manipulation or traction), immobilization (using a splint or cast) and rehabilitation (physical therapy)
  2. Physical therapy – To regain strength and normal function in the affected area.

How serious is a tibia fracture?

The fracture is horizontal, and the bone can become unstable if the fibula is also broken. The tibia is moved out of place when it breaks. The broken ends of the bone are separated and don’t align. This type of fracture is fairly severe and may require surgery for full recovery.

Is a tibia or fibula fracture more common?

Causes of Tibia and Fibula Fractures Of the two bones, a fracture is more common in the tibia. Several causes can attribute to tibia and fibula fractures. Some include trauma from a high fall, contact sports, or vehicle accidents.

How serious is a broken fibula?

All fibula breaks are serious and can leave you unable to fully walk, or perform standard daily activities without help, for weeks or months.