Most of the time, the management of fracture of a particular bone is by Immobilisation of the affected part. The fractured bone is usually made still at both the joint above and below the fracture. For example if there is a fracture at the middle of the leg, then a cast is put that extends from above the knee joint to below the ankle joint.

One aspect that doctors and patients alike overlook is that if a lower limb is not moved for long periods of time, a fatal disease called Thrombophlebitis can occur.

In Thrombophlebitis a blood clot is formed inside the deep veins of the leg because of prolonged immobility. This occurs in particular in Obese and Old people. Women are also more prone to this than men.

Due to slowing of the circulation of the blood in the legs when not moving it for long periods, the viscosity of the blood increases and clots are formed. These clots become more dangerous if they dislodge from their original place and move freely in the circulation. The free moving clots can become fatal if they get stuck in the arteries of the lungs causing a life threatening condition called the PULMONARY EMBOLISM. Rarely the clot can enter the small arteries of the heart were they get stuck causing Myocardial Infarction or Heart attacks.

To prevent all of this happening, doctors advice moving the legs frequently especially after long operations, prolonged labour or serious fractures. In Fractures limited but regular moving of the fingers of the toes and walking with adequate support is advised rather than complete bed rest.    

 For more information fell free to Ask A Doctor.