How long would a hairline fracture in the ankle take 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.
How do you cure hairline fracture?
References
- Ågren, P., Wretenberg, P. & Sayed-Noor, A. ...
- Benirschke, S. & Sangeorzan, B. ...
- Buckley, R. et al. ...
- Sanders, R. Displaced Intra-Articular Fractures of the Calcaneus. ...
- Ballinger, P. W. ...
- Rowe, C. R., Sakellarides, H. ...
- Rodrigues, R. et al. ...
- Hildebrand, K., Buckley, R., Mohtadi, N. & Faris, P. ...
- Griffin, D. et al. ...
- Rammelt, S., Sangeorzan, B. & Swords, M. ...
What is the best medical care for a hairline fracture?
What is the fastest way to heal a hairline fracture?
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Can my hairline fracture heal on its own?
The majority of hairline fractures will heal by themselves if the person refrains from activities that strain the affected area. It's generally recommended to have a hairline fracture treated because of the possible complications.
Can you walk on a hairline ankle fracture?
For instance, a hairline fracture in your foot may cause difficulty walking, but not so much so that it alerts you to see Dr. Scheffel. However, he may recommend the following treatment methods for stress fractures: Stop the activity or activities that cause pain.
How long does a hairline fracture on the ankle take to heal?
Medical treatments 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.
Does a hairline fracture need treatment?
However, ignoring a hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, can be a grave mistake. Without treatment, the bone could break completely. If that happens, the healing time make take much longer and require more complicated treatment.
What happens when you have a hairline fracture in your ankle?
Hairline fracture is characterized by pain in the affected area that tends to become extreme with time. Consider visiting an orthopedic specialist if you experience pain that becomes intense when exercising, but reduces when you rest. The affected area may also feel tender and appear swollen.
What does a hairline fracture in ankle feel like?
Hairline fractures can occur from overuse or repetitive activity. They can be hard to notice, but a dull pain often develops over time. Feelings of pain from light to moderate pressure can indicate a hairline fracture. Pain may be reduced using common painkillers, such as paracetamol.
What is the fastest way to heal a hairline fracture?
How to Heal a Stress Fracture FasterGet Proper Nutrition. What you put in your body has a great impact on how well you'll heal from your stress fracture. ... Quit Smoking. Better blood flow equals better healing for your bones. ... Eliminate Alcohol. ... Get Plenty of Rest. ... Listen to Your Doctor. ... Get Moderate Exercise.
How serious is a hairline fracture?
A hairline fracture might seem like a mild problem, but ignoring the issue and putting further pressure on the bone can lead to a more serious breakage. It's best to visit a doctor and take it easy, especially if you're an athlete. If left untreated, a hairline fracture can quickly become a more debilitating injury.
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.
How do you know if you have a fracture in your ankle?
While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly “off,” it's most likely because a bone is broken. Does your ankle feel numb? With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken.
Is a hairline fracture a broken bone?
A “non-displaced fracture” is one in which the bone has broken, but the pieces have not moved. Many people may have heard of this referred to as a “hairline fracture.” Non-displaced fractures can often be treated by keeping the affected area immobilized with a splint or brace, but sometimes require further treatment.
Do you need a boot for a stress fracture?
Your doctor may need to put a cast or fracture boot on your foot to keep the bones in a fixed position. Using a cast or boot help remove the stress on the leg and promote healing.
Does hairline fracture need plaster?
It is always better to put a plaster in any case of fracture. It gives complete rest to the fracture and other soft tissue structures around it for it to heal.
Does SSOC offer orthopaedic consultation and treatment?
Yes, we do offer consultation and treatment. For enquiries, please call us at +6566532981 .
Can I book an appointment with you at a certain time?
We do have an option for our orthopaedic clients to book an appointment with us. Please visit the appointment booking area on our website to do so.
What is your working hours?
We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What is a hairline fracture?
Hairline or stress fractures are tiny cracks on a bone that often develop in the foot or lower leg. It is common for hairline fractures to occur as a result of sports that involve repetitive jumping or running. Hairline fractures may also occur in the upper limb and are often related to falls or accidents. Hairline fractures usually develop ...
How to confirm hairline fracture?
Confirmation of a hairline fracture diagnosis may come from an X-ray. A doctor will do a physical examination first, where they will assess the person’s reaction to pressure on the affected area. A doctor may confirm the diagnosis using medical imaging techniques including: magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) X-ray.
How long does a hairline fracture last?
While hairline fractures may heal with sufficient rest, they can be painful and last several weeks. Anyone who engages in regular physical activity can develop a hairline fracture, especially if the activity involves repetitive movements that put a strain on a bone or a group of bones. The most common treatment approach is rest.
What sports cause hairline fractures?
High impact sports entail the most significant risk of hairline fractures, including: basketball. tennis. ballet. football or rugby. track and field sports. soccer. hockey. Hairline fractures can also develop as a result of sudden or disproportionate changes to the intensity, duration, frequency, or type of physical activity.
How long does it take to recover from a fractured bone?
A complete recovery will typically take between 6 to 8 weeks, after which full mobility should be restored. In some cases, a doctor may recommend protective footwear, a splint, or the use of crutches to minimise strain placed on the fractured bone during movement.
What is the best way to support anatomical abnormalities?
supporting anatomical abnormalities by wearing insoles, for example. ensuring changes to the duration, frequency, or intensity of activity are gradual, rather than sudden. getting sufficient rest between bouts of exercise. eating a healthful, balanced diet, which includes an appropriate amount of calcium and vitamin D.
Can a hairline fracture be treated with MRI?
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.
How to heal hairline fractures?
Hairline Fracture Ankle Healing Tips 1 If you want to speed up the process of healing, refrain from doing activities that may worsen the injury. Do not exert the ankle for at least 1 month. Once the tiny cracks have healed, you may resume normal activities, gradually. 2 Some cases require complete immobilization, using a cast / brace. Crutches may be recommended too. 3 As much as possible, keep the legs elevated. 4 Ice application is advised by doctors. It hastens healing. 5 Analgesics or pain killers need to be prescribed when the pain is intolerable. 6 After about a month, consulting a physiotherapist is advocated. Strengthening exercises that are non-weight bearing help the process of healing. 7 Fortunately, hairline fractures hardly ever require surgical intervention because they start healing within 2 weeks of rest. However, never neglect the condition; always visit a doctor and seek his opinion.
Can you use crutches on your legs?
Crutches may be recommended too. As much as possible, keep the legs elevated. Ice application is advised by doctors. It hastens healing. Analgesics or pain killers need to be prescribed when the pain is intolerable. After about a month, consulting a physiotherapist is advocated.
How to help swelling in ankle?
Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation. Continue icing every 40 minutes. Compression: Wrapping the injury helps control swelling. Elevation: Keep your foot and ankle raised slightly above the level of your heart to help reduce inflammation.
How to treat a fractured foot without surgery?
To treat foot fractures and ankle fractures without surgery, we typically follow the RICE protocol: Rest: Rest is key. Staying off your injury will help you heal faster. You will likely wear a cast to help keep the foot and ankle immobilized.
What to do if your foot is displaced?
If the fracture in your foot or ankle is displaced, or has caused misalignment of the bones, your orthopaedic surgeon will need to put the bones back into the correct position using specialized hardware such as plates, screws or pins. If necessary, we will perform bone grafting and may need to reconstruct soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
What is nonunion ankle surgery?
Non-Union Ankle Fracture Surgery. A non-union is a broken bone that did not heal properly. Treatment may entail surgery to remove an infection if present, to better stabilize the fracture, or to stimulate bone growth with a bone graft.
Why is it important to seek treatment for a fracture?
Seeking treatment for fractures is very important in order to ensure healing takes place as quickly as possible. A fracture refers to an injury or break to the bones. There are many types of fractures, ranging from small hairline fractures to traumatic bone breaks.
What tests are needed to diagnose a foot fracture?
To diagnose a foot and ankle fracture, you should be seen by an orthopaedic specialist to assess the severity of the injury and determine a plan for treatment. Imaging tests will likely be ordered, which may include: Musculoskeletal ultrasound. MRI. CT scans.
How long does it take to recover from a foot fracture?
Foot and Ankle Fracture Surgery Recovery. Depending on the severity of your foot and/or ankle fracture, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to fully recover. Speak with your doctor about what recovery may mean for you.
Why do sports medicine patients have hairline fractures?
It is caused by the application of repetitive strain and excessive training. Hairline Fractures are minute cracks on the bones, which can become severe if not treated immediately.
What is the best test for hairline fractures?
MRI is the best imaging test for determining hairline fractures. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide your bone images. An MRI determines a fracture before an X-ray can.
What can be used to help with extreme pain?
In cases when extreme pain is experienced, the affected area must be put at rest and must be immobilized by casting or bracing. Shoe inserts like supportive orthotics and walking crutches can also be recommended but only when the patient’s normal movements are already affected.
Can stress fractures cause pain?
When patients ignore the doctors advice to rest and choose to continue playing, their condition can worsen and there is a high risk that the stress fracture has already evolved into a complete fracture. Pain can be felt throughout even when the patient is at rest.
Can a bone scan show a hairline fracture?
This substance accumulates in areas where bones are repairing. But because this test will indicate an increased blood supply to a particular area, it won’t specifically prove there’s a hairline fracture.
Can you use analgesics for hairline fractures?
Use of analgesics is also prescribed when the pain is unbearable. People who have hairline fractures can better visit physical therapists so that they could be advised with strengthening exercises that are non-weight bearing like swimming.
Where to get treatment for broken ankle?
You will likely initially seek treatment for a broken ankle in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly for healing, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.
What tests can you take for a broken ankle?
Tests. If your signs and symptoms suggest a break or fracture, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following imaging tests. X-rays. Most ankle fractures can be visualized on X-rays. The technician may need to take X-rays from several different angles so that the bone images won't overlap too much. Stress fractures often don't show up on ...
What is the best way to see ligaments in ankle?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create very detailed images of the ligaments that help hold your ankle together. This imaging helps to show ligaments and bones and can identify fractures not seen on X-rays.
What is the best way to diagnose fractures?
Bone scan. A bone scan can help your doctor diagnose fractures that don't show up on X-rays. A technician will inject a small amount of radioactive material into a vein. The radioactive material is attracted to your bones, especially the parts of your bones that have been damaged.
How to reduce swelling in ankle?
Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every three to four hours to bring down the swelling. Keep your ankle elevated. Don't put any weight on your injured ankle. Lightly wrap the injury in a soft bandage that provides slight compression. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
What to do if you have a broken bone?
Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you may need a muscle relaxant, a sedative or a local anesthetic to numb the area before this procedure. Immobilization. A broken bone must be immobilized so that it can heal. In most cases, this requires a special boot or a cast. Surgery.
What to do if you have a displaced fracture?
Reduction . If you have a displaced fracture, meaning the two ends of the fracture are not aligned well, your doctor may need to manipulate the pieces back into their proper positions. This process is called reduction. Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you may need a muscle relaxant, a sedative or a local anesthetic to numb the area before this procedure.
How to repair a broken ankle?
If you have more extensive damage to your ankle, or the fragments of broken bone are separated far from one another, your doctor will perform surgery to repair your fractured ankle with special screws or wires. Injuries resulting in broken skin require antibiotics given intravenously (into a vein) to prevent infection.
How long does it take to heal a broken ankle?
If your ankle fracture involves only one malleolus, and the segments of broken bone lie very close together, your doctor usually can treat the injury by immobilizing your ankle and foot in a cast for six to eight weeks.
What is the talus?
The talus supports the lower ends of the tibia and fibula, and it forms a solid base for the normal range of ankle movements. Although there are many ways to fracture an ankle bone, the most common injuries involve a sharp twist of the ankle or a direct impact that fractures at least one of the bony knobs in the ankle.
How to tell if you have a fractured ankle?
If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: 1 Pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising at your ankle joint 2 Inability to move your ankle through its normal range of motion 3 Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don't assume there is no fracture. 4 In some cases, a "crack" or "snap" in the ankle at the time of injury 5 In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin
What are the symptoms of a fractured ankle?
Symptoms. If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don't assume there is no fracture. In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin.
Why do people get ankle fractures?
People involved in a wide range of athletic activities, including ballet dancers, snowboarders, basketball players and skydivers, are at high risk of ankle fractures because of the physical demands placed on their ankles.
How long do you have to wear a cast after a fracture?
If your fracture can be treated without surgery, you probably will wear a cast for about six to eight weeks. Once your cast is removed, you may need physical therapy before you can resume your normal activities. Total recovery time varies depending on the severity of your injury and the physical demands of your lifestyle.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment options depend on the type, location and severity of fracture and any associated soft tissue injuries, your health, age and activity level. The fracture is described as a uni-, bi- or trimalleolar fracture.
Recovery
After surgery, rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and mobility. After surgery you will find your leg is splinted or in a cast. Pain will be managed with oral medications that reduce the need for the use of opioids. You will use a knee scooter or crutches. Weight bearing activity will be prohibited for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
What is the procedure to check for a hairline fracture in the foot?
At the hospital or doctor's office, your practitioner will conduct a series of examinations and tests, most likely including an X-ray of the bones in the foot. An X-ray will show whether the bone is fractured severely or if it only has a hairline fracture, or if there is no fracture at all.
How to heal a fractured bone?
3. Take some acetaminophen. Your fracture is likely to cause some considerable pain, so treat the pain safely while promoting healing in your bones. Avoid naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, which some doctors believe have the potential to delay the healing process with bone injuries.
What is a fracture in the foot called?
A fracture is a break in your bone or the surrounding cartilage, and the severity of a foot fracture can range from what is called a "hairline" or "stress" fracture to a full break across the foot.
How to reduce swelling in foot after fracture?
Once your foot is wrapped, sit or lie down and elevate your foot above the level of your heart to further decrease swelling. For tips about how to recognize the symptoms of a fracture in your foot, keep reading.
What is a foot fracture?
Article Summary X. A foot fracture is a beak in the bone or cartilage of your feet and can range in severity from a small, hairline fra cture to a full break across the whole foot.
How long should you wait to treat a fractured foot?
This is universal for any kind of bone fracture or stress fracture, and is the best way to treat a fracture at home for the first 72 hours after your injury or until you can seek medical care. Rest. Immediately stop what you are doing and refrain from any activities that cause pain to your foot.
What to do if you have a broken foot?
If you suspect that someone has a broken foot, it's important that he receives medical treatment to assess the severity of the break and devise a treatment plan. A doctor can ensure that the diagnosis of a break is correct and that the pain in the foot is not caused by another condition.
What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle?
Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including Motrin (Ibuprofen) and Aleve (Naproxen), are helpful at controlling both swelling and pain. Rest/immobilization: While a stable ankle fracture can support your weight, it helps to limit weight-bearing to control pain and swelling.
How to reduce swelling in ankle?
Ice application: Ice application is helpful at reducing pain and minimizing swelling. Elevation: Elevation is important to keep swelling limited. Be sure your ankle is above your heart. (In order to do this, you have to lie down, you can't do it sitting!).
What does it mean when your ankle hurts?
Pain and swelling on the inner side of the ankle (along with a lateral malleolus fracture) may indicate the possibility of an injury called bimalleolar equivalent fracture even without a second fracture . This is a specific type of unstable ankle fracture that may require surgery.
What is the pain of a lateral malleolus fracture?
Lateral Malleolus Fracture Symptoms. Lateral malleolus fractures cause pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. Pain in other areas of the foot and ankle should be a reason to suspect a more serious ankle injury than an isolated lateral malleolus fracture.
What is the most common type of ankle fracture?
Fractures of the lateral malleolus are the most common type of ankle fracture. These injuries typically occur when the ankle is either twisted or rolled, often with an awkward or uneven step. Most lateral malleolus fractures are considered to be stable ankle fractures and can be treated without surgery. The lateral malleolus is the name given ...
What type of shoes do doctors use for ankle support?
Some doctors use walking casts, walking boots, air casts, ankle braces, or even high top shoes (hiking boots). 2 . Studies show no difference when comparing different types of ankle support. Talk with your doctor about the best option to give you support and comfort for your ankle injury.
What happens if your ankle is unstable?
Therefore, if the bone heals in a position where the ankle is not functioning properly, the ankle is likely to develop early ankle arthritis. 3 .
