A broken ankle or broken foot is a very common injury that can occur due to falls, car accidents and overuse. The severity of a broken ankle or foot often varies. Fractures may range from micro cracks in the affected bone to complete breakage of the bones that may even tear through your skin.
Treatment for broken ankle or foot normally depends on the severity and the exact site of the fracture. A severe broken bone may require surgery to be treated with the implantation of plates, wires, screws or rods in the fractured bone to allow proper position during the healing process.
Signs and symptoms of a Broken Ankle and Broken Foot
People with broken ankle or broken foot may experience the following symptoms:
- Prompt pain
- Throbbing pain
- Pain increases with activity
- Pain decreases with rest
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Difficulty walking
Some people also hear an audible snap or a pop sound during the injury and suspect that the bone may be broken. However, a snap or pop does not always signify a broken bone.
When to seek medical attention for Broken Ankle and Broken Foot
See a doctor if you know that you have broken a bone or if symptoms such as pain and swelling persist for more than a few days.
Treatment for Broken Ankle and Broken Foot
Treatment methods for broken ankle and broken foot can vary according to severity and site of the fracture.
Taking first aid courses may help you identify suitable treatment measures during emergency situations until help arrives.
- Medications
Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If pain is too severe, your health care provider may prescribe medication such as narcotic pain medication.
- Physical therapy
After the healing process, you may have to restore the flexibility and strength of the muscles and ligaments in the feet and ankles. Your physical therapist will teach to how to perform certain rehabilitation exercises to improve muscle balance, strength and flexibility.
Prevention for Broken Ankle and Broken Foot
These safety tips are especially beneficial for people involved with a lot of sports activities and people susceptible to foot injuries such as broken ankle or broken foot.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Wear shoes suitable for the particular activity. For example hiking shoes should be used for rough terrains, steel-toed boots for working environments etc. Appropriate athletic shoes should be sued for sports activities.
- Replace shoes regularly. If you are an athlete, make sure to discard your shoes or sneakers when you notice that the heel wears of or if the shoes are wearing off unevenly
- Start slow. Whenever you begin a sport or a fitness program, always start slow and increase the intensity gradually.
- Cross-train. Alternate your activities so that you do not stress one muscle group or a single region of your body repeatedly. You can rotate running with biking or swimming.
- Use night lights. Broken foot and broken toe injuries are common in the dark, especially due to nighttime stumbling.
- Enhance bone strength. Consume calcium rich food and dairy such as milk, cheese and yogurt.