Rehabilitation after a fracture of the talus

Fracture of the talus is quite common. It is not enough to correctly diagnose and carry out appropriate therapeutic measures. It is also important how the patient will behave during the rehabilitation period. The efficiency of recovery depends on this.

Description of the problem

A fracture of the talus is a dangerous injury that is difficult to diagnose. In the absence of timely therapy, it can lead to serious consequences.

Difficulties in diagnosis are associated with the location of the bone between the calcaneus, tibia and fibula. In addition, it is small and not a single muscle is attached to it. However, the stop will not work without it.

Building features:

• This bone bears the greatest load, therefore, with its significant growth, a fracture can easily occur.
• The bone is covered with cartilage tissue, which occupies a large part. If it is damaged, the mobility of the joint is impaired.
• Due to poor blood supply, the recovery period takes a significant amount of time, tissue necrosis may begin.
• If the talus is injured, this leads to problems with the surrounding bones and joints.

Therefore, bone restoration is urgently required, even with the slightest damage to it. Most often, surgical intervention is prescribed. The operation itself must be performed by a highly qualified surgeon, carefully, minimizing the likelihood of subsequent problems.

Types of fractures and their causes

The specificity of the structure of the bone leads to the fact that it experiences constant loads. To cause damage, it is enough and not strong voltage. Most often, the cause of the fracture is: traffic accidents; falling from a height; sports loads; foot injury.

In addition, such a fracture is an occupational injury for dancers and ballerinas.

There are different types of fractures:

• compression;
• fracture of the posterior process;
• external process;
• fracture of the neck of the bone;
• with dislocation in the joint and displacement of fragments;

Several types of loads lead to bone damage: axial, fast dorsiflexion, intense plantar bends with rotation of the foot.

Signs of a fracture of the talus

The main symptom is severe pain, because of this it is almost impossible to stand on the leg. Also, swelling is formed in the area of ​​injury, and the pain itself increases with movement.

There are also additional symptoms in other localization of the injury. For example, visible deformity of the foot occurs if there is displacement of fragments or damage to the neck. In this case, palpation is accompanied by a crunch.

The injured process of the back is characterized by pain in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon.

Marginal fractures are not accompanied by severe pain, the symptoms in this case are similar to a bruise.

Treatment depends on the location of the injury. In the absence of displacement, plaster is applied and movement is restricted.

If there is an isolated fracture of the posterior process, then the recovery period is shorter than only a few months, and the plaster cast may be removed after a few weeks. Worse if there is a fracture of the neck with a displacement, in which case there will be an operation.

If there is a rotation or dislocation of the posterior talus, then the risk of necrosis is quite high. After the bone is set, it is imperative to wear a plaster cast for at least a month.

With a fracture of the talus without displacement, rehabilitation is faster, since in this case, traumatologists can often do without surgery. But it's another matter if there is displacement or debris. In this case, surgery is the only way out. There is also an increased risk of infection in this situation.

Rehabilitation after an injury

The quality of the subsequent life of the patient directly depends on how this period passes. As a rule, massages are used for recovery, performed in a clinic or at home, gymnastics, physiotherapy. In parallel, the doctor prescribes special ointments and gels that need to be lubricated on the skin in the area of ​​damage.

It is important that there is no increased load. The recovery period takes up to six months, with a monthly X-ray examination. Rehabilitation after a fracture of the talus with displacement takes more time, as it often involves surgery.

It takes about a month for the fusion of the talus in case of injuries without displacement, and two more, with displacement. The right time for wearing a cast is selected based on x-ray data. After that, rehabilitation measures are carried out, including training of the ankle and toes. The recovery time for a fracture of the talus is longer for people of age. The presence of concomitant pathologies also plays a role.

During the rehabilitation period, movements in the injured joint are prohibited. In this case, the movements of the fingers and the knee joint are mandatory. The purpose of such an event is to prevent contractures and restore foot mobility.

After the swelling and pain subside, instead of a plaster cast, it is allowed to use a plaster tape, it is applied to the back of the foot.

Massage helps to restore the leg after an injury. It can be performed independently, after consulting with a doctor and a professional massage therapist. This will help restore blood circulation and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Such methods of treatment as exercise therapy and electrophoresis are highly effective.

Recovery Exercises

During the period when a plaster bandage is applied to the ankle, physical education is limited to preemptions on the joints of the affected limb, which are not fixed. After the plaster cast has been removed, ankle exercises are added. At first, they are performed carefully, gradually increasing the amplitude and muscle tension.

As the mobility of the joint is restored, walking is added on the heels and toes, on both edges of the feet, in a half-squat and on stairs.

It is recommended to use mechanotherapy in parallel: an exercise bike or rocking chairs for the ankle. Use the pool effectively. Under the supervision of an instructor, a treadmill can be used. It is important that during all exercises the joint is fixed with an elastic bandage.

Recovery forecast

Disability in case of damage to the talus occurs, according to statistics, in 30% of cases. The cause is vascular deformity, low blood supply and tissue necrosis. To avoid this, you should consult a doctor in time to prescribe the necessary treatment.

Fracture Complications

The most dangerous complication is the complete immobilization of the ankle. Necrosis also often occurs, which is diagnosed only after a few months. Damaged bones may not heal.

Rehabilitation should take place under the supervision of a physician. Moderate movement and physiotherapy are recommended. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle contribute to rapid recovery.