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Foot
and ankle injuries
Foot and ankle emergencies happen
every day. Broken bones, dislocations,
sprains, contusions, infections,
and other serious injuries can occur
at any time. Early attention is
vitally important. Whenever you
sustain a foot or ankle injury,
you should seek immediate treatment
from a podiatrist.
Myths
| 1. |
“It
can’t be broken, because
I can move it.” False
This widespread idea has kept
many fractures from receiving
proper treatment. The trust is
that often you can walk with certain
kinds of fractures. Some common
examples: breaks of the thinner
of the two leg bones; small ‘chip’
fracture of either foot or ankle
bones; and the frequently neglected
fracture of a toe.
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| 2. |
“If you break
a toe, immediate care isn’t
necessary.” False
A toe fracture needs prompt
attention. If X-rays reveal
it to be a simple displaced
fracture, care by your podiatrist
usually can produce rapid relief.
However, X-rays might identify
a displaced or angulated break.
In such cases, prompt realignment
of the fracture by your podiatric
physician will help prevent
improper or incomplete healing.
Many patients develop postfracture
deformity of a toe, which in
turn results in formation of
a painfully deformed toe with
a most painful corn. A good
general rule is: Seek prompt
treatment for injury to foot
bones.
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| 3. |
“If you
have a foot or ankle injury, soak
it in hot water immediately.”
False
Do not use heat or hot water
if you suspect a fracture, sprain,
or dislocation. Heat promotes
blood flow, causing greater
swelling. More swelling means
greater pressure on the nerves,
which causes more pain. An ice
bag wrapped in a towel has a
contracting effect on blood
vessels, produces a numbing
effect, and prevents swelling
and pain. After seeing a podiatrist,
warm compresses and soaks may
be used.
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| 4. |
“Applying
an elastic bandage to a severely
sprained ankle is adequate treatment.”
False
Ankle sprains often mean torn
or severely overstretched ligaments,
and they should receive immediate
care. X-ray examination, immobilisation
by casting or splinting, and physiotherapy
to insure a normal recovery all
may be indicated. Surgery may
even be necessary.
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| 5. |
“The terms
‘fracture,’ ‘break,’
and ‘crack’ are all
different.” False
All of those words are proper
in describing a broken bone.
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