To: milesofstyles who wrote (37917 ) 12/28/2000 12:26:26 AM From: Doug R Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 79260 Milesov, A real internet connection?? You mean there really is such a thing?? A real data service?? It's all Greek to me anyway ;-) A realtime chart service?? You tryin' ta turn me into a daytrader er sumtin'? Actually, I slipped on a carpeted stairway on Christmas Eve. My left foot slid down 3 steps while my right stayed where it was and twisted the right leg while hyperextending the calf muscle. Just got xrays today. Thought (hoped) it might have been strained tendons, ligaments or just a bad muscle pull. Dammit. The discomfort subsided for a couple days then it didn't get any "better" today so I figured I better get it checked out. A leg fracture of the fibula is a complete or incomplete break in the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg. Fractures of the fibula are not uncommon, and displacement is seldom severe. These fractures sometimes accompany severe ankle sprains. See also Leg Fracture, Tibia. Appropriate health care includes: Doctor's diagnosis. Setting of the fracture is usually not necessary. Signs & Symptoms Severe pain at the fracture site. Swelling of soft tissue surrounding the fracture. Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and bone fragments separate enough to distort the normal leg contours. Tenderness to the touch. Numbness or coldness in the foot if the blood supply is impaired. Causes Direct blow or indirect stress to the bone. Indirect stress may be caused by twisting or turning quickly , or by a violent muscle contraction. Basic Information Medical Tests X-rays of injured areas, including the knee and ankle. Probable Outcome The average healing time for this fracture is 4 to 6 weeks. Treatment Follow instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. See Appendix 39 for details. Home Care Setting the broken bone for a fibula fracture is usually not necessary. The tibia (the big bone adjacent to the fibula) provides immobilization. A fibula fracture usually requires only a snug, toe-to-knee cotton elastic bandage. If pain is severe, a walking plaster cast below the child's knee may be necessary for about 5 weeks. After the bandage or cast is removed, use frequent ice massage. Activity Instructions: Actively exercise all muscle groups not immobilized. These muscle contractions promote fracture alignment and hasten healing. Use ice massage for 10 minutes before and after workouts. Begin walking and light running when there is no pain or tenderness. Resume normal activities gradually after treatment. Now for a tall glass that rum and coke, Doug R