Shin fractures: physiotherapy exercises

Fractures of the tibia require long treatment with immobilization of the injured leg: a closed fracture of the tibia without displacement or with a small displacement of the fragments is treated by imposing a plaster bandage on average 2-2.5 months, with an open fracture and fractures with longitudinal displacement, there is a need for longer immobilization after Skeletal tension or surgery.

Therapeutic gymnastics with a shin fracture should start from the first days in the absence of pain in the place of fracture and with a good general condition of the patient. The next day after the application of stretching, restorative procedures begin in the form of massage and exercises of intact leg, superficial massage of the thigh of the injured leg and movements in the ankle joint. Shin fractures are treated more quickly with an early transition to minor active movements in the knee joint (by pulling the load). The resulting tension with tension in the fragments contributes to the activation of regeneration processes. After about 4 weeks, it is possible to flex the knee joint almost to the right angle.

From the moment of applying the plaster bandage to the gradual stay of the patient in an upright position. The next day you can sit in bed, dangling your leg, and also put your foot on the floor without any load. On the third day, you are allowed to stand by the bed, holding on to the support (chair or bed frame). At the end of the exercises, you should definitely give your leg an elevated position. To develop proper walking with crutches proceed after 4-5 days.

From the first days of walking should be based on a plaster bandage. This creates an axial load of the injured limb, which is necessary for the functional training of the callus. Due to the micro-mobility of the fragments, a rapid fusion occurs with the formation of a massive corn. In the absence of such a load, consolidation slows down and severe osteoporosis develops.

The goal of curative physical training after a shin fracture at this stage is the transition from the dosed constant load of the diseased leg when walking with crutches to constant and full loads, allowing movement without crutches. With increasing load, one should be guided by the appearance of pain: walking should be accompanied by minor pain sensations, in which protective reparative processes are activated, aimed at eliminating the stimulus. Excessive pain indicates a significant traumatization of the corn, which leads to a slowing of regeneration.

Shin fractures are treated more effectively when performing special therapeutic exercises (for 6-8 movements):

1. In the supine position, it is the back and sole plantar flexion of the feet, the isometric tension of the hip muscles (up to 5 times for 5 seconds), the alternating bending and extension of the legs in the knee joint when the foot is slid over the bed, alternately taking away and bringing the foot when sliding over the bed , Grasping and holding small items with your toes, circular movements of feet and imitating walking in bed.
2. Lying on the stomach, bending and unbending the leg in the knee joint, withdrawing the straight leg back and to the side.
3. Lying on one side, remove the straight leg to the side and hold it in this position for up to 5 seconds.
4. In the sitting position, the toes are bent and unbend, the fingers of the medical unit roll their fingers forward and back, roll the toe from the heel to the toe.

Shin fractures are treated effectively only with the active participation of the patient in rehabilitation activities, one of which is exercise therapy. Only with a clear understanding of the goals and details of restorative treatment will the patient be able to mobilize his will for regular and persistent exercise.