After the doctor has corrected the position of the broken bones, an x-ray can also help confirm that the bones are in proper alignment. Other imaging tests that can reveal damage to muscles, ligaments, or blood vessels around the bone include:. Treatment for a broken tibia-fibula will depend on the location, complexity, and severity of your child's fracture. A reduction is a non-operative procedure that is usually performed in the emergency department.
During a reduction, the doctor realigns the broken bone so it will heal properly with the help of medications to relax the child. Your child may need to use crutches or a wheelchair while their leg is healing. If your child has a broken tibia or broken tibia-fibula, they will need to wear a cast or boot for six to 12 weeks.
Waterproof casts make it easier to bathe. However, broken limbs typically swell, therefore a waterproof cast is not used for the first several weeks after the initial fracture. If your child has a broken fibula, they will need to wear a short leg cast at first. These flexible nails realign the bone and hold it in place while allowing the bone to grow and heal. Typically, a cast is also used after surgery to help the bone heal.
If your child is an adolescent or young adult, the surgeon may use a rigid nail instead of a flexible nail. Whether flexible or rigid, the nail can remain in place permanently or be removed. For a more severe fracture, a surgeon may insert metal plate and screw into the bone internal fixation or outside the body external fixation. These hold bone fragments in place and help keep bones aligned as they heal.
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. Thanks to our pediatric expertise, we can precisely diagnose conditions related to the growing musculoskeletal system and optimal care plans.
Our Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic treats patients with orthopedic injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not serious enough to need emergency room care. We offer urgent care services in four locations — Boston , Waltham , Peabody , and Weymouth. Our experts in Orthopedic Urgent Care have created a series of helpful guides describing the different types of leg fractures, treatments, and how to care for them.
For Patients. As the shin splint progresses, the pain will increase. The symptoms of shin splints may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can most often diagnose shin splints by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam.
X-rays are often needed. The best course of treatment for shin splints is to stop any activity that's causing the pain until the injury is healed. Other treatment may include:. You may be able to prevent shin splints by wearing good fitting athletic shoes.
Also, gradually increase the intensity, duration, and frequency of a new exercise routine. It may also help to switch between high impact activities and low impact activities such as swimming or cycling. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the shin bone tibia — the large bone in the front of your lower leg.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Shin splints. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed June 30, Shin splints.
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