An adult foot has 26 bones, and they are prone to breakage due to sudden trauma to the foot, repetitive movements, and underlying health conditions such as osteoporosis. You’re likely to feel the symptoms of a foot fracture right away, which usually include foot pain, difficulty walking, a noticeable twist or bend in the foot, and/or sudden swelling.
If you think you may have a foot fracture or some other type of foot injury, it is in your best interest to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible to get diagnosed and treated correctly. The doctor will provide you with the best treatment options for your broken foot.
Let’s talk about how a foot fracture is treated, and where you can go in Naples for orthopedic treatment of your foot pain, arthritis, or any other type of injury.
First Aid Before Receiving Foot Fracture Treatment
After you have sustained a painful foot injury and before you are able to see an orthopedic physician for an evaluation and treatment for a possible foot fracture, the following tips can help your injury remain stable in the meantime:
- If the injury caused a break in the skin, stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound using a clean cloth. See a doctor right away, because a severe break can cause a serious infection and permanent disability if it is not addressed quickly.
- Be careful not to apply weight to the injured foot.
- When sitting or lying down, elevate your foot above heart level to harness the natural power of gravity in order to pull your blood and other fluids away from the injured area and toward the heart, and thereby limit
- Apply ice packs or wrapped ice over the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every three or four hours to reduce swelling and to minimize pain.
- Over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide immediate relief.
Diagnosis and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Identifying the type of fracture you have will require a physical examination by your orthopedic doctor. They may check your range of motion by having you move your foot in different directions (if possible) and determining specific points of tenderness.
You will likely undergo one or more imaging tests, including X-rays, a bone scan, a CT scan, or an MRI. The test(s) will help your physician pinpoint the location and type of foot injury you have.
The professional diagnosis will lead to an appropriate treatment option for your foot fracture.
Nonsurgical Treatment for a Foot Fracture
Most cases of a broken foot do not warrant any kind of surgery. Your orthopedic doctor may recommend and administer a cast to immobilize the injured foot, which will keep the bone fragments in place so they heal properly.
For minor cases of foot fracture, your doctor may recommend a removable brace, splint, or boot. If only your toe is fractured, your doctor will likely tape it to the one beside it.
Surgery to Repair a Foot Injury
Surgery may be the best option to treat severe cases of foot fractures. Surgical treatment for foot fractures uses stainless-steel screws, frames, plates, and fixators to hold the bone in place as it heals. Your orthopedic surgeon may remove these materials after the foot fracture has healed or if their presence is painful.
Foot Fracture Treatment in Naples, FL
Getting quality and immediate healthcare is necessary to treat foot fractures properly and to prevent future complications. The orthopedic experts at the Joint Replacement Institute can diagnose and treat patients who are suffering bone breaks with compassion and competency.
The Joint Replacement Institute is one of the most comprehensive orthopedic treatment centers in southwest Florida. We have board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who will be here for you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our online request form now for your convenience. We look forward to getting you back on your feet!
