There are many ways adults teach children how to properly behave. It’s obviously important to provide guidelines and set a good example, but sometimes subtler methods can be quite effective. Case in point, the old childhood saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Without being overt, this saying subtly persuades children to brush off an insult and remain calm.
Sure, it would be more accurate to say “words will never physically hurt,” but there’s no disputing the fact that sticks and stones can actually break bones. No matter if foot or ankle bones are broken from sticks, stones, or any other source, home care for foot fracture is going to be important!
At Home Treatment for a Foot Fracture
Treatment for a broken bone depends on several variables, including the type and severity of the break sustained. Regarding the different types of breaks, there are two general categories – chronic and acute. Chronic injuries develop over time, often in response to overuse. Acute injuries are those which happen as the result of a single event. This is important for making the distinction between stress fractures (which are chronic) and other fractures (like open, stable, avulsion, comminuted, etc.).
The first thing to know about bone fracture treatment is that any open fracture—one where a broken bone has pierced through the skin—requires urgent medical care. When inner tissues become exposed to an external environment, it severely increases the risk of dangerous infections.
When to See a Podiatrist
With a closed fracture, you should perform some basic first aid as part of your home care for foot fractures. In these cases, this means immobilizing the injury, using ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to control swelling and relieve pain, and elevating the limb. At your earliest opportunity, come to one of our offices and see us for a professional diagnosis. This is necessary to establish what will actually be required for your treatment.
We will assess the extent of the damage with diagnostic imaging technology. Once we’ve established the nature of your fracture, we will determine an appropriate treatment plan. When broken ends line up correctly, treatment is focused on stabilizing the injured area and allowing the bone to mend via natural processes.
Bone fractures are just one of the many lower limb issues we treat here at Advanced Foot and Ankle, so give us a call at (208) 731-6321 to reach our Twin Falls, ID office or (208)-312-4646 to connect with our Burley office and learn more about the services we offer or schedule your appointment.