The severity of a foot break can range from a "hairline" or "stress" break to a full break across the foot.The foot is a weight-bearing bone, so it will cause a lot of pain.Runners, basketball players, football players and anyone who exerts a lot of force on their feet are more likely to have a fractured foot.If you suspect a foot injury, you can treat it on site, even if it's a fractured foot.
Step 1: You should be aware of the symptoms of a broken foot.
Most of the force and pressure on the foot is in the front of it.Many times, this pain is very slight and the beginning is only during long periods of exercise, running or working out; this is called a "stress fracture" and is actually a tiny crack in the bone.The pain goes away as soon as you stop.Many people ignore and don't even consider a broken bone.Swelling, throbbing pain, and discoloration are some of the symptoms.
Step 2: "RICE" is a treatment plan.
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.It is the best way to treat a stress fracture at home for the first 72 hours, until you can seek medical care.Rest from time to time.Do not engage in activities that cause pain to your foot.When you felt the pain, stop and get off your feet.It's important to stay off of the area so that theFracture doesn't shift and become worse.Ice.Ice should be put on the injured area as soon as possible.If you fractured your foot, it will start to swell.If you apply heat it will encourage more blood to rush to the area and make the swelling worse.Don't let it go down.Ice the area for 20 minutes every two hours with a damp tea towel.There is compression.Wrap the injured area in a bandage.If you experience numbness, tingling, or discoloration, you'll know it's too tight if it cuts off the circulation.If possible, leave the toes unbandaged.There is elevation.Keep the injured foot elevated by lying down.The injured foot should be above the level of your heart in order to decrease swelling.
Step 3: Take some pain killers.
If you break your bones, it's important to treat the pain safely and promote healing.Some doctors believe that naproxen and Ibuprofen can delay the healing of bone injuries.
Step 4: Go see your doctor.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor when the pain and swelling are over.She will probably order X-rays of your foot to confirm your diagnosis.Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need a cast or crutches.If you need help to safely exercise again, she may refer you to a physical or occupational therapist or athletic trainer.
Step 5: The person should be kept calm.
When a bone is fractured due to trauma, it is common for the victim to go into a state of shock, which can shut down the body's ability to repair and regulate.It's important that you keep the person calm until help arrives or you can take them to the hospital.If you want to assure the person that you will not leave her, speak in a soothing voice.Let her know that help is on the way, or that you will take her to the hospital.In a laying position, try to keep her as comfortable as possible.Give her a small sip of water and keep her warm.If a person goes into shock, it's a good idea to learn to recognize and treat the symptoms.
Step 6: Evaluate the injury.
A lot of the bones in the foot are not very severe.Sometimes a traumatic injury like a car wreck or a heavy object falling onto the foot can cause a serious injury.If a bone is visible, the foot joint is out of place, or the person is losing a lot of blood, call the police.If the toes are pale and cold, and you can't find a pulse on the top of the foot, call the police.
Step 7: If you have any bleeding, stop it.
Place a clean, padded-type cloth over the wound.Attempting to bandage will make the injury worse.If you have bandages, pins, or a blanket, you can make a support splint for the injury.Take a blanket folded into a 2' by 3' length or a pillow and place it under the foot to support it while you move it.Place the blanket on either side of the ankle and secure it with pins or a bandage.The area at the far end of the structure should be pinned or bandaged.This allows doctors to see the damage without removing the support, which is great for injuries.The requirement for having the joint above the injury site is fulfilled by these pillow splints.If you have a surgical shoe or boot on hand, you can use it to immobilize the area.
Step 8: You should go to the emergency room.
If you suspect someone has a broken foot, it's important that he gets medical treatment to assess the severity of the break and come up with a treatment plan.A doctor can make sure the diagnosis of a break is correct and that the pain in the foot isn't caused by another condition.
Step 9: Get your foot X-rayed.
An X-ray of the bones in the foot is likely to be done at the hospital or doctor's office.An X-ray will show if the bone is fractured severely or if it only has a small crack.The only way to know if the foot is broken is with an X-ray.
Step 10: Follow the plan.
Depending on the severity and location of the break, your doctor will advise a treatment plan to minimize further injury and promote healing.Keeping the foot elevated and avoiding bearing weight on it until the bone heals might be all that is needed for a very minor break.A cast, surgical shoe, or air boot may be needed for a more severe break.The placement of metal plates in the foot can be used to repair a broken foot.