Leg Fracture

A leg fracture is a break in any of the 3 long bones of your leg. The femur is the largest bone and goes from your hip to your knee. The fibula and tibia are the 2 bones in your lower leg that go from your knee to your ankle.

What causes a leg fracture?

A leg fracture is often caused by an injury. Car and sports accidents are common causes of leg fractures. Stress fractures can occur from repetitive use or overuse. They are tiny cracks that form in long bones, such as your tibia. Osteoporosis (brittle bones) can increase your risk for a leg fracture if you fall.

What are the different types of leg fractures?

• Nondisplaced: The bone cracks or breaks but stays in place.
• Displaced: The bone breaks into 2 pieces.
• Open fracture: The broken bone breaks through your skin.

What are the signs and symptoms of a leg fracture?

• Pain that worsens when you move your leg
• Decreased ability or inability to move your leg
• Leg pain that worsens when you stand on your injured leg
• Deformity (your leg is shaped differently than normal).
• Swelling, bruising, or blistering in the area of your leg injury
• Pain when you touch the injured area
• Weakness or loss of feeling in your leg