Bones are tasked with providing structure for our bodies. With this being the case, it only stands to reason that they don’t have much “give” in them and will break in response to excessive force. Fortunately, the human body has amazing abilities to repair itself when issues arise, including being able to mend a fractured bone. It is our responsibility here at Southern Tier Podiatry to ensure that our patients foot and ankle fractures heal in the correct manner.
The feet and ankles are remarkably complex biomechanical structures. They are responsible for providing both mobility and stability for the body. To accomplish these objectives, the feet alone are comprised of a total of 52 bones (one-quarter of your body’s total) that are connected and supported by many ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
When a patient suffers from a broken bone, one of the first steps is to evaluate the extent of the injury and then give it an appropriate identification. Bone fractures can be classified as:
To properly diagnose which kind of fracture you have sustained, we will likely require an imaging test, like an X-ray, CT (computerized tomography) scan, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). In some cases, a bone scan can also be utilized.
When it comes to treating bone fractures, the body does the majority of the heavy lifting, but we are responsible for ensuring that bones are lined up correctly and the area is stabilized. Some of the tools and forms of treatment we might use include buddy digital taping, casting, immobilization CAM walkers, stiff-soled surgical shoes, crutches, medication, and conservative care methods (rest, ice, elevation). In cases of a compound fracture, we may need to perform surgery to line up the broken bone pieces so they heal correctly.
It is important to note that treatment for an open fracture should begin with seeking immediate medical care. Do not attempt to push the bone back inside the wound. Instead, try to control any bleeding, keep the area clean, and wait for trained medical personnel to arrive on the scene.
Whereas the other types of fractures often result from sources of physical trauma that can be difficult to prevent—typically accidents (sports, auto, etc.)—there are actually measures you can take to reduce the risk of developing a stress fracture. Keep your lower limbs safe by:
When you do experience the painful symptoms that accompany bone fractures in your foot or ankle, come see us here at Southern Tier Podiatry. We will evaluate the extent of the damage, properly diagnose your injury, and then provide effective treatment so the bone tissue mends correctly. Call our office, centrally located in Broome County, NY at (607) 217-5668 or schedule an appointment with our online form today.
