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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Stiffness In Ankle Joint After Tibia Fracture?

Hello, I obtained a dislocated fracture of the both the right tibia and fibula. A rod was placed inside the tibia via surgery. The swelling in my leg and knee has gone down significantly. I have only been putting little to 50% of my weight on the leg with the aid of a walker when walking and doing physical therapy exercises. I am wondering why my ankle joint feels locked or very stiff? Is this normal? Does this mean that I am not ready to put more weight on this leg yet? When I attempted to put more weight on the leg per the physical therapist, I began to have alot of pain in my leg and ankle.
Sat, 31 Jan 2015
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  User's Response
Hi, thanks for posting the concern in HCM.
Whenever you have a fracture of a bone, the joints proximal and distal to the fracture site need mobilisation alongwith immobilisation of affected limb. If this is not followed, the joints get stiff. In a long term, that may even cause arthritis. Now, you need to consult your orthopaedic consultant regarding the same. You need gradual increase in movement of the affected joint. Physiotherapy may also be needed. In case you have any other questions, please write back.
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What Causes Stiffness In Ankle Joint After Tibia Fracture?

Hi, thanks for posting the concern in HCM. Whenever you have a fracture of a bone, the joints proximal and distal to the fracture site need mobilisation alongwith immobilisation of affected limb. If this is not followed, the joints get stiff. In a long term, that may even cause arthritis. Now, you need to consult your orthopaedic consultant regarding the same. You need gradual increase in movement of the affected joint. Physiotherapy may also be needed. In case you have any other questions, please write back.