Oh my! You know the pain that comes when you accidentally hit your leg hard, whether it's a small mistake or a fall? Sometimes it can be a simple sprain, but sometimes it can be a broken bone in your leg (fracture). It's normal to feel a little scared when something like this happens. But don't worry, we'll talk about this in detail .
What is a Fractured Foot?
Simply put, it's a fracture of one or more of the 26 bones in your foot. Think about how many tiny bones there are in your foot. That's why they're so susceptible to damage. These bones include:
- The small bones in your toes (medically called phalanges).
- There are two small, spherical bones at the base of your big toe , called sesamoids.
- The bones in the middle of your foot (these are called the metatarsals).
- Also, the bones at the back of the foot , for example your heel bone (this is called the calcaneus).
Fractures of the leg are very common. They can happen during sports, from accidents, or from falls. Sometimes, constant stress on the leg (for example, running without proper rest) can cause a condition called a ``stress fracture.'' Regardless of how the leg is broken, it is important to seek proper medical attention.
What are the symptoms of a broken leg?
If you have a broken bone in your leg, you may experience sudden, severe pain or a gradual increase in pain. This pain may increase when you move or walk, and may ease when you rest. You may also experience symptoms such as:
- Bruising and skin discoloration (like blue or purple).
- Swelling.
- Feeling pain when touching the hand (tenderness).
- A change in the appearance of the leg (may look like a bunion).
- A change in the way you walk (gait abnormalities).
- Difficulty walking and putting weight on the leg.
- Difficulty moving the leg.
- Loss of body balance.
How do these leg fractures happen?
Often, the main cause of a broken leg is a direct injury to the leg (`direct injury`) or trauma (`trauma`). These can be:
- A tripped leg, a slip, or a fall.
- The leg is twisted in a strange way.
- By accidentally hitting your leg on something hard.
- A heavy object falling on the leg.
- During high-impact activities like jumping and running .
- From things like car accidents .
- Blunt force trauma.
Is this also what a 'stress fracture' is?
Yes, that's a type of fracture. But it doesn't happen from a sudden, major injury. A stress fracture is a condition where the bones in the leg are repeatedly stressed and overused over a long period of time, causing small cracks in the bone that become larger over time. This condition is especially common in athletes. For example:
- Football (`Football`)
- Basketball
- Running
- Dancing
If people who play these types of sports do not rest properly and do not use appropriate footwear, they are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Who is at higher risk of breaking a leg?
Some people are more at risk of breaking a leg than others. Here are some factors that may contribute to this:
- Engaging in high-impact sports and other activities.
- Wearing shoes that are unsupportive and do not fit properly .
- Having vitamin D deficiency .
- Having certain foot conditions, such as flat feet or high arches .
- Bone thinning disease (osteopenia or osteoporosis). This condition is most common in women after menopause.
What complications can occur if left untreated?
If a broken leg is not treated promptly, it can lead to serious problems. Imagine what happens if the bones are forced out of their natural position, into a bed?
It can affect your ability to walk and can even cause permanent bone deformities in the leg.
Another thing is that sometimes the bone can break and leave a wound on the skin surface (this is called an ``open fracture``). If left untreated at this time, there is a high chance of infection entering through the wound.
How does a doctor recognize this?
Your doctor will first do a physical examination of your leg. They may feel your leg and move it in different directions. They may also ask you to move your leg back and forth, walk around a bit, and check your range of motion. They will also ask you about your symptoms, how the injury happened, and your medical history.
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will often order an X-ray of your foot . In rare cases, especially if a stress fracture is suspected, other specialized imaging tests may be ordered. For example:
- CT scan (`CT scan - computed tomography scan`)
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)
If you suspect a broken leg, what can you do before seeing a doctor? (RICE method)
If you suspect you have a broken leg, you should definitely seek medical advice. However, until you can see a doctor, there are some things you can do at home. This is called the RICE method .
- R – Rest: Keep the leg as still as possible. Limit weight on it.
- I – Ice: Place an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the injured area for about 20 minutes. (Do not leave it on for too long.)
- C – Compression: Wrap the leg with a soft, firm bandage (`compressive dressing`). But remember, don't wrap it too tightly, as this can cut off blood flow.
- E – Elevation: Rest with your leg slightly above your heart. You can place a pillow on top.
While doing these things, you can also take pain medication. You can buy acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol®) from the pharmacy, or you can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. However, it is best to ask a doctor.
What medical treatments are available?
Treatment for a broken leg depends on several factors:
- Which bone(s) is/are broken?
- Type of fracture.
- Severity of your fracture.
Plastering and more
You will likely need to wear a cast , a splint (a slightly lighter support than a cast), or a specially designed boot or shoe to protect your foot. These shoes may have a sturdy sole, Velcro® fasteners, and may have an open toe. Depending on your condition, you may need to use crutches , a walker , or a wheelchair to walk.
What is 'Buddy Taping'?
If you have a broken toe, your doctor may use a simple technique called ``buddy taping.'' This involves placing the broken toe next to the healthy toe and wrapping it with tape. This can help reduce pain and keep the broken toe stable.
The importance of 'Physical Therapy'
After your leg has healed a bit, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist . This is called physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you rebuild the strength in your leg. They will teach you specific exercises that can help increase your leg's flexibility and range of motion.
Fracture Reduction
Sometimes the broken bone can be dislocated and pulled. In such cases, the doctor may need to put the bone back in its correct position (fracture reduction) . This involves immobilizing the leg and then gently manipulating the bone into place.
Will surgery be necessary?
If your leg is very badly broken, or if other noninvasive measures don't work, your doctor may recommend surgery . This type of surgery is called internal fixation. This involves a surgeon inserting metal screws, pins, rods, or plates into your leg and holding them in place until the bone heals.
How long does it take for a leg to heal?
It usually takes four to six weeks for a broken leg to fully heal . However, in some cases, it can take up to 10 to 12 weeks. This depends on which bone is broken and how severe the break is. Ask your doctor for specific information about your condition.
During the early stages of recovery, you will not be able to put any weight on your leg. You will need to use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair until the broken bone heals. Some severe fractures may take up to six months to heal and for active people and athletes, it can take up to six months for the leg to be able to bear weight again.
Can leg fractures be prevented?
Most leg fractures are caused by accidents and falls, so it's hard to completely prevent them. However, there are some things you can do to keep your legs strong, especially to prevent stress fractures:
- Wear appropriate footwear when playing sports and other activities .
- To keep your muscles strong, do warm-up and cool-down exercises (stretches and exercises) before and after exercising .
- Depending on how much sports and activities you do, replace your shoes regularly.
- When doing training or exercise programs, do not increase the time or intensity all at once, but gradually increase it.
- Don't forget to get enough rest during games and training.
- Get enough vitamin D from the foods you eat, or take a vitamin D supplement as directed by your doctor.
- If you experience any pain in your legs, stop the activity and seek medical advice.
Do you need to see a doctor?
If you have a broken leg or a broken bone, you should seek medical attention immediately. However, do not drive if you have a broken leg. If possible, have someone else take you to a doctor or an urgent care center.
If you've had leg pain for the past few weeks and it hasn't subsided, it's important to get that treated as well. You could have a stress fracture or another foot condition.
What should you ask the doctor?
Here are some questions you can ask your doctor about your broken leg:
- What kind of foot fracture do I have?
- What treatment do you recommend for this?
- What can I do at home to reduce pain?
- When will I be able to walk again?
- What should I do to prevent fractures like this in the future?
Can you walk with a broken leg?
With most fractures, you will not be able to put your leg down for a certain amount of time while the broken bone heals. Depending on the nature of your injury, this may be eight weeks or longer. During this time, you will need to wear a cast, splint, or special shoe to protect your leg and prevent further damage. You may also need to use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around. After the first few weeks of healing, your doctor may allow you to gradually start putting weight on your leg.
Take home message
A broken bone in the leg can be caused by sudden events such as falls or accidents, or it can be caused by constant pressure and overuse. No matter how your leg is broken, it is important to rest your leg until it heals properly. If you try to stand or walk on a broken leg, it can delay the healing of your leg, and may even prevent it from healing properly. So, listen to your doctor and avoid putting weight on your leg until he or she gives you the okay. Then you can gradually put weight on your leg, heal quickly, and get back to your normal activities!
` Broken leg, broken bone, foot injuries, fracture, RICE method, medical treatment, bone health
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