subject: Protect Your Feet And Ankles- Be Prepared For Foot And Ankle Emergencies [print this page] Foot and ankle emergencies happen every dayFoot and ankle emergencies happen every day. Broken bones, dislocations, sprains, contusions, infections, and other serious injuries can occur at any time of the day. Early attention is important. Whenever you sustain a foot or ankle injury be sure to seek treatment from your podiatrist in Middletown. If you have suffered a foot or ankle injury, your first instinct may be to call the emergency room, but it is not all it's cracked up to be. By going to the emergency room you may wait hours before you see a doctor. Before visiting your emergency room, contact your podiatrist for prompt emergency care.
Foot and Ankle Fracture
The 26 bones in our foot are used to support our entire weight, allowing us to walk and run. Certain activities or injuries can cause a fracture, or break, in one or more of these bones. Pain, swelling, redness, and even bruising are signs of a possible fracture. Fractures of the foot can be properly diagnosed through proper x-rays or other studies. Your podiatrist will be able to determine the best treatment course for your foot fracture. Often rest, icing, and immobilization are appropriate treatments, but surgery may also be necessary to repair the fracture.
In addition, ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people often mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain. In reality, however, they are quite different and require an accurate and early diagnosis. An ankle fracture is often accompanied by one or all of these symptoms:
*Pain at site of fracture
*Significant swelling
*Bruising that develops soon after injury
*Inability to walk
*Change in appearance of ankle
*Bone protruding through skin
Diabetic Foot Complications
If you have diabetes, you are more prone to having foot problems due to nerve damage and poor circulation. Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in your feet, taking away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, so you may not detect an injury or irritation. Poor circulation can also reduce your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection. Some diabetes-related foot and leg problems include:
*Infections and ulcers that don't heal
*Corns and calluses
*Dry, cracked skin
*Nail disorders
*Charcot foot
*Poor blood flow
Your podiatrist can help wounds heal, preventing amputation. There are many new surgical techniques available to save feet and legs, including joint reconstruction and wound healing technologies. Getting regular foot checkups and seeking immediate help when you notice something can keep small problems from worsening.
Prevent Emergencies from Occurring
It is important to take extra precautions daily to avoid foot and ankle emergencies. Some prevention tips include:
*Wear correct shoes for each particular activity
*Wear hiking shoes or boots in rough terrain
*Don't continue to wear any sports shoe if it is worn unevenly
*The toe box in steel-toe shoes should be deep enough to accommodate toes comfortably
*Don't walk barefoot on paved streets or sidewalks
*Watch for slippery floors at home and work
*Turn the light on if you get up during the night
Early attention is vital in emergency situations. Contact your podiatrist in Middletown, RI if you experience a foot or ankle injury for immediate attention.
