A fracture is the breakdown of the bone or cartilage that surrounds it; the severity of a fracture involving the foot can range from what is called a "stress fracture", or sometimes "duration", to a complete break of the entire foot. This type of injury can create considerable discomfort, especially since this extremity generally has to support the entire weight of the body. Foot fractures occur mainly among runners, basketball or football players, or those who put their feet under intense strain and strain. These are very serious injuries and should not be overlooked or underestimated by medical personnel. However, you can treat the fracture at the crash site if you are concerned that it is such a trauma.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating a Minor Fracture at Home
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a foot fracture
- They often begin with slight discomfort on the front of the foot, where it is often subjected to pressure and strain. Many times this is a mild pain that usually begins only during prolonged workouts, runs or physical exercises; in this case it is a "stress fracture" and consists of a small crack in the bone.
- As soon as you stop the activity, the pain often goes away. This causes many people to overlook the problem and not consider that it is in fact a real fracture.
- Other symptoms are swelling, throbbing pain, the appearance of a bruise or a spot on the skin.
Step 2. Learn the "RICE" treatment protocol
It consists of a procedure that is valid for any type of bone or stress fracture and is the best way to treat this type of injury at home during the first 72 hours after the injury or until medical attention is sought. The term derives from the English acronym which corresponds to R.east (rest); THEce (ice), C.ompression (compression) e ANDlevation (lifting).
- Rests. Immediately stop any activities you are doing that are causing you pain. Stop exercising, running, or whatever else you were doing when you were in pain; stop and take the weight off the sore extremity.
- Apply ice. Ice the injured area as soon as possible. If the foot is broken it will soon begin to swell if it hasn't already. Do not place a heat source on it, otherwise you will promote greater blood circulation in the area, aggravating the swelling. Apply cold therapy instead: Place crushed ice in a damp tea towel and lay it on the affected area for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compress the wound. Wrap the injured area with a tight enough bandage to reduce swelling. Be careful not to squeeze it until it stops blood circulation; it must not go to the point of causing numbness, tingling or discolouration of the skin. If possible, leave your fingers out of the bandage so that you can easily check circulation.
- Elevate the limb. Sit or lie down with the injured foot elevated. The ideal would be to keep it higher than your heart, as this position helps reduce swelling.
Step 3. Take acetaminophen
The fracture is likely to cause a lot of pain, which you can safely manage while promoting bone healing.
Avoid naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, as some doctors believe they can extend the recovery time
Step 4. Contact your family doctor
As soon as the pain and swelling have subsided, make a doctor's appointment.
- He will likely have your foot x-rayed to confirm the fracture diagnosis.
- You may need to wear some kind of brace, as well as having to use crutches, depending on the severity of the situation.
- They may also refer you to a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or fitness coach if needed, especially if the injury is severe or if you need to get back to exercising safely.
Part 2 of 3: Treating a Traumatic Fracture in an Emergency Situation
Step 1. Calm the victim
When a bone has suffered a bad fracture due to a trauma (such as a car accident) or a fall, it is quite common for the person to go into a state of shock, that the body is no longer able to maintain its balance. physiological and to heal. It is therefore important to keep him calm as much as possible, until help arrives or until you can transport him to the hospital.
- Address the victim in a calm, reassuring tone of voice, informing her that you are there to help and that you will not leave her alone. Let her know that the ambulance is on its way or that you will take her to the hospital.
- Try to make her as comfortable as possible by making her lie down. Keep her warm, ward off onlookers who get too close, and give her a few sips of water.
- Learn to recognize and treat symptoms of shock, such as sudden shortness of breath, paleness of the face, sweating, dissociation and dizziness; call 911 if the victim goes into shock.
Step 2. Examine the fracture
Most foot fractures are very painful, but they are not serious. However, sometimes a traumatic injury, such as from a car accident or a very heavy object falling on the foot, can cause a truly worrying injury.
- If the bone is visible (open fracture), the foot joint has moved out of its natural position, the foot appears deformed, or the person has lost a lot of blood, you must call the emergency service immediately.
- You must call for help even in the case of a closed fracture, if the fingers are pale, cold and you do not feel the pulse (you should feel it on the back of the foot).
Step 3. Stop the bleeding and immobilize the bone
Place clean gauze or padded cloth over the wound. Don't try to swaddle her, as this could aggravate the situation. If you have a blanket or pillow, long bands or pins, you can make a foot support splint.
- Take a blanket and fold it to form a 60-90cm length of cloth or use a pillow and gently place it horizontally under your ankle to support your foot as you move it. Always carefully fold the blanket / pillow at the sides of the ankle and secure it with pins or the band by wrapping the latter securely.
- Then, close or wrap the farthest end of the structure around the lesion, generating gentle but firm pressure. This way, you create a simple but effective splint and allow doctors to check for damage without having to remove the support.
- You can also use this type of splint for closed fractures, as in this case it is necessary to keep the joint immobilized above the injury site.
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Go to the emergency room
If you suspect someone has a broken foot, it's important that they get medical attention to assess the severity of the fracture and define a treatment plan.
A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and assure you that the foot pain is not caused by other problems
Step 2. Get an X-ray
At the hospital, you will be given several exams and tests, most likely including x-rays of the foot bones.
- This examination allows you to clearly understand if the fracture is serious, if it is only a stress fracture or if there is no fracture.
- X-rays are the only way to know for sure if the foot is broken, unless the situation is so bad that you can feel the broken bone with your hands.
Step 3. Follow the therapy indicated to you
Based on the severity and site of the fracture, your doctor will recommend a specific type of treatment to minimize further possible injury and promote bone healing.
- If it is a minor injury, it may be resolved simply by keeping the foot elevated and not putting weight on it until the bone has healed.
- In severe cases, it may be necessary to keep a brace or pneumatic boot.
- When the situation is really very serious, you will likely need to undergo surgery and / or insert a metal plate into your foot to repair the fracture.
