Whether or not you can walk without crutches after a lower limb fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the healing of the fracture. Generally, it takes about 3 months for the fracture to fully heal before you can walk without crutches. In case of comminuted fracture or poor fracture healing, the recovery time may be longer.
1. Undisplaced fracture: Less serious fractures of the lower limbs that are not displaced can be treated conservatively with plaster casts or braces, or with surgery. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for the scab to form after the fracture and about 3 months for the fracture to heal completely. During this period, the affected limb can not bear weight, and can use crutches to assist walking.
2. Fracture with displacement: generally need surgical treatment, after the operation can be assisted by crutches to the ground, part of the weight-bearing, 3 months after the operation, the fracture is completely healed by the radiographs, can be fully weight-bearing walking. Early walking should be moderate after casting off the crutches and should not be overworked.
3. Comminuted fracture: Because of the serious trauma of comminuted fracture of the lower limb, the recovery of the fracture may be delayed after the operation, and there may be 4~6 months without healing, i.e. delayed healing. The affected limb can be properly weight-bearing during rehabilitation training, but it must be carried out under the guidance of the doctor. Until the fracture is completely healed, you still can’t leave the crutches completely.
After the fracture of the lower limb, you should seek medical treatment in time and follow the doctor’s instructions strictly for rehabilitation training. During the rehabilitation period, attention should also be paid to the whole body, timely supplementation of protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc and other trace elements, to promote physical rehabilitation, in order to minimize the healing time.