General rehabilitation timeline for bone fracture

​

Pre-considerations:

• If bone fracture is suspected from                                              , please seek help from medical professionals e.g. GP for further instructions. 

• If surgery is indicated, it's suggested to obtain surgery as early as possible to enable higher chance of full return to sport after recovery. ​

​​

​

Acute (Day 1 - 7):

• Likely be immobilised in below-knee plaster cast or removable immobilisation device.

• Period of immobilization varies. Displaced fracture (Non-aligning bone fracture) may be longer. Follow surgeon orders.

​​​​​

​

During immobilisation (until ~Week 6): 

• Potentially non weight bearing or partial weight bearing for approximately 6 weeks.

•  Use forearm or underarm crutches depending on comfort

​

​

​

​​​

​​​

• Regular toes movements and exercise in other parts of the body are suggested.

• ​Monitor and prevent acute complications such as impaired circulation or swelling in the lower leg. Note these 5Ps as below:​​​

- PAIN: achy/sharp/nagging pain in the lower leg

- PALLOR: pale in colour in the lower leg

- PARASTHESIA: tingling, burning, "pins and needles" sensations

- PULSELESSNESS: the feeling of no pulse

- PARALYSIS: unable to move the toes

If any of those P above is present, please seek help from medical professionals. 

​​​

​​​​​​​​

After removal of cast (~Week 6 onwards):

• Note surgeon review date on the removal of cast or immobilisation device (likely to be around 6 weeks)

• Reduce swelling with compression bandage to allow ankle range of motion to be regained. 

• Promote early ankle movements right after cast removal to promote healing 

• Return to daily activities while progressing in weight bearing. 

• Regain range of motion, strength, balance/proprioception while monitoring pain symptoms with load. 

​​

​

Similar to ankle sprain rehabilitation moving forward.