“Do you need physical therapy after a broken foot?”
I broke my foot 2 weeks ago. Do you need physical therapy after a broken foot?
11 Answers
After the fracture has healed, I would recommend evaluation by an experienced therapist to teach you custom excerises to restore motion, strength and proper body mechanics to prevent future post-traumatic arthritis.
There are always two injuries in a fracture: (1) fracture, (2) muscle/fascia strain around it and beyond. Fracture must be treated either by immobilization and/or surgical fixation. It heals by itself without any other intervention and its pain lasts for 1-2 weeks until inflammation subsides. Most pain/swelling lingering for years actually comes from strain and must be treated immediately, the longer delay the more time/effort it takes to recover. Without treatment, the strain injury stays for lifetime and recovery of fracture is incomplete with residual contractures and deformities. The strain injury is best treated with light touch (The Precision Method with Touch-and-Hold), and NEVER stretching or strengthening which only aggravates/worsens injuries and delays/prolongs recovery. The current practice of physical therapy is not recommended and even contraindicated. Please refer to website: NoMorePainClinic.com.
Depending on the location and extent of the fracture and your activity
levels and goals, PT is usually a very good idea. It can, at least, reduce
swelling and return range of motion more quickly. Good luck!
Sincerely, Dr. M
levels and goals, PT is usually a very good idea. It can, at least, reduce
swelling and return range of motion more quickly. Good luck!
Sincerely, Dr. M
The only person that can answer that question is the doctor that treated the broken foot.
Some people do and other people do not feel it is necessary
Depending on the bone that is fractured and the severity of the injury including soft tissue trauma and what structures are in that area of soft tissue as well as age and health status of the person who is injured
Jan David Tepper DPM,FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
Depending on the bone that is fractured and the severity of the injury including soft tissue trauma and what structures are in that area of soft tissue as well as age and health status of the person who is injured
Jan David Tepper DPM,FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
Broken foot bones can be treated either surgically or non-surgically. Different bones have different healing potential. Some need rehabilitation and physical therapy for range of motion, swelling, pain, strengthening and proprioception. The healing can also depend on the type of injury, severity, age of patient and underlying medical conditions. Generally physical therapy is recommended for lower extremity fractures.
https://footankleandlowerleg.com/
https://footankleandlowerleg.com/
It depends. If you are in a cast with limited mobility and function for 6 weeks, then most likely you will need PT after this.
Sometimes. It depends on how long you have been immobilized, how the foot/ankle is functioning after healing the fracture. This will be a decision between you and your physician.
Physical therapy may be helpful after a fracture. You need to have the fracture heal first, which usually takes 6-8 weeks. I recommend you schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation and to discuss options
The break will heal just fine without therapy. The problem is that while you are in a boot during healing, the muscles of the lower leg and ankle get weak, which will increase your risk for ankle sprain or reinjury. A few sessions of physical therapy would be a good idea to just get those muscles firing again, work on your balance in that leg, and you could be given some exercises to do at home to regain your full strength.
Bone healing can take 4-8 weeks so avoid weight bearing or walking on that broken bone until it has healed. Depending on the area of the foot physical therapy may be indicated after bone healing has taken place to restore strength and function after weeks of no use however it is often not necessary below the ankle.
