Zabava-24.ru

Health of your feet

    • (Русский)
    • Home
    • Lower extremity pain
    • Signs of an ankle fracture in the leg

Signs of an ankle fracture in the leg

28 Jul 18

Dislocation of the leg at the ankle

Ankle dislocation

It is believed that the ankle is the most vulnerable place in the human body. And this is not surprising, because of the daily load this part of the leg is subjected to. The most common time to sprain an ankle is during the winter, especially when it's icy. A dislocation can occur in the most standard situations: you put your foot wrong, tripped, or slipped. An ankle sprain occurs when a bone is pushed out of a joint, causing damage to the ligaments that support it.

Severities and symptoms of ankle sprains

Dislocation of this part is divided into several degrees - mild, moderate and severe:

  • during mild cases, sprains occur. In this case, the affected area swells and moderate pain is felt;
  • with an average degree, the ligaments are partially torn, the swelling increases, the temperature in the joint area rises, and the pain intensifies;
  • severe degree is characterized by complete rupture of the ligaments, which is accompanied by a click and the bone is pushed out of its usual place.
  • Ligament rupture due to dislocation in the ankle area

    The most characteristic symptoms of an injury such as a dislocated leg in the ankle area are: sharp pain (the main difference from a fracture, a fracture is characterized by increasing pain), increased temperature in the damaged area, swelling, changes in the shape of the joint, and the inability to move the injured leg. When trying to make even the slightest movement, the pain will only intensify, so you need to give the sore limb maximum rest.

    Another dislocation of the ankle joint can be: external; internal; complete and incomplete. With an external dislocation, the distal part of the fibula comes out of the joint capsule. With an internal dislocation, the distal part of the tibia is displaced. Complete dislocation - complete separation of the articular surfaces. Incomplete dislocation is a partial divergence of the articular surfaces.

    First aid for a victim with a sprained ankle

    First of all, you need to rest the injured leg and try to move it as little as possible. Give it a raised position, this can be done using a bolster or a rolled blanket. An elevated position is necessary to reduce swelling of the joint. Next, you need to apply cold to the sore spot. To do this, you can use an ice pack, or a regular piece of frozen meat from the freezer, after wrapping it in cloth. Apply ice for no more than fifteen minutes at a time. Repeat the procedure itself for several days.

    It is very important in providing first aid to correctly fix the damaged joint. To do this, you need to apply a tight bandage or wrap it with an elastic bandage. But you shouldn’t overdo it and wrap it too tightly, as this can lead to poor circulation in the foot and even necrosis. To prevent this, you need to monitor the color of the skin while bandaging. You can also check the sensitivity of the skin by touching your finger on the foot.

    Applying a tight bandage for a sprained ankle

    Only a traumatologist or surgeon can make a final and correct diagnosis. Therefore, under no circumstances should you adjust a dislocation yourself; this is exclusively a medical procedure. After providing first aid, it is necessary to take the victim to the nearest surgery or traumatology department. He will be immediately sent for an x-ray of the damaged joint, the doctor will examine the affected area by palpation, and based on these data he will make an accurate diagnosis.

    Once the diagnosis is made, the victim will have the dislocation adjusted. Before going to the hospital, you should try not to eat; it is likely that you may need anesthesia, and this can only be done on an empty stomach. Reduction is best done within a few hours after the injury, but gastric lavage can take a long time.

    To fix the joint, a cast is applied, which the patient wears for two to three weeks. To avoid re-injury, he is prohibited from stepping on his cast leg. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, the doctor will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These include: analgin, aspirin, ibuprofen.

    Plaster applied for a dislocated leg in the ankle area

    It is very important to promptly inform the attending physician about the presence of any diseases, and this must be done before he prescribes drug treatment. Some drugs commonly used for dislocations can be harmful if the victim has severe gastritis, a duodenal or stomach ulcer. In these cases, the doctor prescribes medications with extreme caution.

    Very good for relieving pain, irritation, swelling; applying ointment to the affected area helps. Ointments containing anesthetics and anti-inflammatory agents are usually prescribed. For example, ointments such as indovazine, voltaren, bystrumgel, fastum-gel, diclofenac-gel, ketoprofen and others are very helpful.

    Indovazin is one of the drugs used for sprained legs in the ankle area

    When treating a sprained ankle, much attention is paid to physiotherapeutic procedures. This phase of treatment begins only two to three days after the joint has been reduced. Physical therapy includes a special set of exercises that helps restore incomplete and pain-impaired movements. Thanks to regular exercise, damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles recover much faster.

    Massage also has a very good effect on the affected area. This procedure, in addition to pleasant sensations, also promotes a rush of blood to the injured vessel and restores blood flow to the area.

    Ankle massage

    Physiotherapy procedures, such as UHF, paraffin therapy, and warming, will not interfere with recovery, but the main emphasis should be on physical education. If ligaments were damaged during a dislocation, then the most relevant exercises will be those where you need to maintain balance. For example, exercises on balance boards or pillows.

    Quite often, traditional methods of treatment are used for this dislocation, in other words, herbal medicine. The most popular in this area are compresses with infusions of tansy, green tea, and vodka compresses. These compresses can be used only after three days after the injury.

    As for preventive measures, special attention should be paid to athletes, as this type of dislocation most often occurs in them. Before you start playing sports, you need to do a preliminary warm-up and warm up your muscles. Stretching exercises strengthen muscle ligaments well; warmed muscles are not so susceptible to any damage. Those who love high heels should not overload their feet; if you are tired of walking, sit down and rest. And under no circumstances should you run or jump in them. All this is fraught with a dislocation of the ankle joint.

    Comfortable shoes are an important point in preventing dislocations

    You also need to be careful when choosing children's shoes, and if possible, choose shoes with a high heel, it fixes the foot very well in the correct position.

    Ankle Fracture Detection and Symptoms: 3 Types

    At the first symptoms of an ankle fracture, you should consult a traumatologist. According to statistics, an ankle fracture is one of the most common fractures in traumatology, and most often, injuries to the outer part occur, and only sometimes more complex ones occur, which can be accompanied by subluxations of the talus.

    Types of Ankle Fracture

    Fractures such as the ankle and accompanying displacements are common. Most often, the ankle triple type of fracture occurs when a person trips and falls. At the moment of the fall, the foot remains on the surface, and the body rushes forward.

    There are 3 types of this fracture:

  • The first type is a transverse fracture of the fibula with damage to the interosseous membrane between the tibia in the lower third, and damage to the internal bones of the ankle can also be observed.
  • The second type of fracture is an oblique fracture of the fibula, which occurs in the area of ​​the ligaments. With such a fracture, damage to the deltoid ligaments may occur.
  • The third type of fracture is the most complex, in which there is damage to the tibiofibular ligaments, as well as injury to the interosseous membrane.
  • Such fractures often occur in athletes, the elderly, and people with osteoporosis. In some cases, an open fracture may occur, in which soft tissue ruptures and, in some cases, even bone fragments may come out.

    With such a fracture, the wound should be covered with a sterile bandage and the person should be taken to the hospital immediately.

    Further treatment depends on the type of ankle fracture.

    In this position, the ankle joint is twisted, as a result of which the talus is either displaced or tucked, which causes a fracture in either one ankle or both, while, as a rule, no damage to the ligaments occurs.

    Treatment for an ankle fracture

    In traumatology practice, ankle fractures occur very often, and in most cases, the external ankle. Such fractures occur in people who have fallen from the stairs, or in those who are actively involved in alpine skiing, skating, both regular and roller skates. Moreover, as a result of the injury, not just a fracture can occur, but with displacement with the foot turning outward or inward.

    Treatment for this fracture is as follows:

    1. First aid consists of pain relief, taking medication either orally or intramuscularly directly at the site of the fracture.
    2. Immobilization of the joint using improvised means.
    3. After providing first aid, the person should be taken to a medical facility.
    4. If the fracture has passed without displacement, and minor swelling of the soft tissues is observed, then its course consists of applying a plaster cast on an outpatient basis. The bandage is worn for 3 weeks until the bones heal completely. Afterwards, physiotherapy, legs and the use of orthopedic insoles are prescribed.

      If ankle fractures are more complex, then hospitalization and rest of the person are required.

      This is necessary to prevent arthrosis from developing due to the injury. In some cases, surgery is required to restore the exact dimensions between all the bones of the joints, as well as to remove bone fragments, if any. After the bones have fused, a period of rehabilitation is required, which consists of massage and light warm-up of the limb; exercise therapy can also be prescribed.

      Types of leg fracture in the ankle

      Sometimes it happens that when an ankle is broken, a person does not experience any particular inconvenience, since the symptoms may be similar to those from a strong blow or sprain. But sometimes after a few days the pain in the ankle area does not go away.

      You should contact a traumatologist so that, after a visual examination and an x-ray, he can make the correct diagnosis.

      The joint in this place consists of several bones, the tibia forms the inner malleolus, and the fibula forms the outer one, in addition to this there is the talus.

      Depending on the structure of the bones, there are several types of ankle fractures:

    5. A transverse fracture of the external malleolus occurs when a person awkwardly rolls the foot outward, causing the outer lateral surface of the talus to sharply press on the top of the external fibula and fracture it. And if at the same time the foot is further abducted to the side, an oblique fracture may occur.
    6. A transverse fracture of the medial malleolus occurs when the foot rotates excessively outward, placing severe tension on the deltoid ligament, causing the medial malleolus to be torn off at the base or just the top of the ankle to be torn off.
    7. An oblique fracture of the medial malleolus occurs when the foot rolls inward.
    8. When a leg is broken in the ankle, a special bandage is often applied to fix it.

      With the latter, the supraheel bone pushes against the inner ankle and breaks or chips it, sometimes with such pressure a crack can form in the ankle. The classification of ankle fractures is quite broad and may include various subtypes that occur in this area.

      Symptoms of an ankle fracture

      One of the very first symptoms of a fracture in the ankle area is pain, and it can occur immediately and gradually subside after a few hours, especially if the limb is practically motionless. Another symptom may be observed - the development of pain after a few hours, especially when trying to take a step.

      There are other symptoms of an ankle fracture:

    9. If bone fragments are displaced during a fracture, a slight crunching sound may be heard when the doctor palpates the joint.
    10. Palpation intensifies the pain, but if there has been no displacement, then no crunching will be heard.
    11. Unnatural foot position.
    12. Almost complete absence of any movement in the joint.
    13. Formation of hematomas, swelling in the fracture area.
    14. Complete or partial loss of sensation in the distal parts due to swelling and nerve damage.
    15. In severe cases, with a complex fracture or both the left and right ankles, traumatic shock may develop. Especially if medical care is not provided in a timely manner, shock is characterized by a drop in pressure and a decrease in a person’s response to external stimuli. Symptoms such as feeling cold and chills may also occur, but these symptoms are less common. If an open fracture occurs, then the pain from the fracture is sharply expressed, since a rupture of soft tissue occurs, and in this case the person practically cannot move the injured limb.

      Signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture (video)

      The effects of a broken ankle can be felt for years, especially if the person is elderly or undergoes intense physical activity. To minimize the consequences, it is necessary to properly treat the fracture and be sure to undergo a course of rehabilitation.

      Injuries resulting in ankle fractures are not uncommon. There are injuries to the inner and outer ankles, closed and open. The pathological condition is accompanied by swelling, subcutaneous hemorrhage, lameness, and severe acute pain. After an accident, you should immediately consult a doctor who can correctly diagnose the injury and prescribe adequate therapy. Ignoring treatment leads to complications in the form of arthrosis or the formation of false joints.

      Why does damage happen?

      A fracture can be caused by ligament rupture, since under unfavorable conditions the connective tissue stretches, weakens and does not hold the heads of the ankle bones in place.

      Ankle fractures are common in older people as the bones become thinner and lose calcium. The injury can be double if the bone structure is broken simultaneously on the left and right leg. A trimalleolar fracture also occurs, in which the integrity of the tibia, outer and inner ankles is disrupted. The condition occurs under the influence of the following unfavorable factors:

    16. turning the leg inward, outward and forward with the toe;
    17. direct blow or fall of a heavy object onto a limb;
    18. pinching of a leg in the mechanisms of transport or elevator doors;
    19. industrial or motor vehicle accidents;
    20. extreme sports;
    21. poor nutrition and bad habits leading to loss of vitamins and microelements;
    22. diseases that cause bone fragility.
    23. Symptoms: how does a fracture in the ankle manifest?

      There are 3 types of injuries, the symptoms of which vary. How to recognize them - shown in the table:

      First aid

      A one- or two-sided apical malleolar fracture is dangerous due to profuse subcutaneous hemorrhage, therefore the pre-medical algorithm of actions is as follows:

      1. Lay the victim down, ensuring that the limbs remain motionless.
      2. Remove shoes, socks and accessories that impede blood circulation.
      3. Place a cushion under the knee and shin so that the leg is in an elevated position.
      4. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth, avoiding contact with exposed skin.
      5. Secure the area of ​​the lateral ankle with planks so that their edges extend beyond the injury area.
      6. Treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide without touching or moving bone fragments in case of displaced fractures.
      7. Give an analgesic.
      8. Transport the victim to the emergency room.
      9. An open or closed displaced ankle fracture is diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon or traumatologist. The doctor finds out the cause and statute of limitations of the injury, conducts a visual examination, evaluates the motor abilities of the ankle and prescribes an x-ray. In severe cases, it is additionally recommended to undergo ultrasound, MRI or CT scan procedures. The methods allow you to accurately determine a bilateral or triple fracture, the condition of muscles, nerves and ligaments.

        Treatment: the most effective methods

        An uncomplicated fracture of the inner or outer malleolus is recommended to be treated by applying a cast and ensuring complete rest of the limb. An effective brace is a medical derotational boot, which reliably stabilizes the leg, preventing accidental twisting of the ankle, and also helps speed up the regeneration process. The device is also effective for complex fractures, when surgery is contraindicated for the victim.

        If the ankle bone does not heal or is periodically displaced, surgery is recommended. During the operation, the bone fragments are repositioned, as well as the wound is cleaned and drained. Osteosynthesis is used to strengthen the bone. Using the Ilizarov, Akulich, and Gudushauri devices, the patient is allowed to lean on the limb and do without a cast. After surgery, the fracture takes a long time to heal, about 6 weeks.

        During the recovery period, a diet is recommended that includes foods rich in vitamins and microelements. Consumption of alcohol, fatty, fried and smoked foods is prohibited. As dietary supplements, it is recommended to take calcium supplements, vitamins D, C, and K. Nutrition for a fracture after removal of the cast should include the following products:

      10. poultry meat;
      11. fatty fish and fish oil;
      12. fresh vegetables, fruits and berries;
      13. dried fruits;
      14. seeds and nuts.
      15. Physiotherapy and gymnastics

        Restoration and treatment of the fracture should be carried out using the following physiotherapeutic methods:

      16. infrared irradiation;
      17. electrophoresis;
      18. paraffin or ozokerite wrap;
      19. phonophoresis;
      20. inductothermy;
      21. massage;
      22. magnetic therapy.
      23. Due to prolonged immobilization, the muscles of the limb atrophy, so the patient must learn to walk again. Rehabilitation after a fracture includes the following exercise therapy exercises:

      24. rotational movements of the foot;
      25. flexion/extension of the phalanges of the leg;
      26. standing on tiptoes;
      27. rolling the feet from toe to heel;
      28. massaging the foot using a ball exercise machine.
      29. A marginal fracture of two ankles or one goes away faster, since the treatment complex has the following effect:

      30. accelerates bone fusion and tissue regeneration;
      31. eliminates symptoms of swelling and inflammation;
      32. promotes resorption of hematoma and lymph outflow;
      33. restores motor function;
      34. stimulates the production of joint fluid.
      35. Return to contents

        You should begin to recover on the recommendation of a doctor a few days after removing the fixator. Useful sports: walking, exercise on an exercise bike or treadmill, jumping and squats. Requires long walks, going up and down stairs. However, if your leg hurts, you should stop training and consult a doctor.

        Warm baths, which should be done with herbal decoctions of chamomile, oak or willow bark, St. John's wort, and mantle, will help relieve swelling and pain at home. A fracture of the medial malleolus can be heated with a blue lamp. The session lasts 15-20 minutes, and the device should be kept no closer than 20 cm from the top of the right or left ankle.

        If an oblique fracture of the lateral malleolus is not detected and treated promptly, the consequences may manifest itself in the form of improper bone healing, the formation of calluses or false joints. It is also possible to develop arthrosis, joint deformation, stiffness, functional limitations and chronic pain.

        Due to insufficient strength of the muscle tissue of the lower leg and the ligaments of the lower part of the ankle joint, ankle fractures are observed. Athletes face a similar problem, but in everyday life you can get an ankle fracture in childhood and old age, because during this period the musculoskeletal system is especially vulnerable. Signs of bone fractures do not go unnoticed; to determine the type and severity of the disorder, you need to go to the hospital and undergo a diagnostic test.

        What are the types of bone injuries?

        The treatment regimen, recovery time, and possible consequences will depend on the degree and severity of the damage. Therefore, it is important to find out what type of injury the patient suffered. There is such a classification:

        By nature of severity:

      36. Closed. When a bone is damaged, the skin at the site of the injury remains intact.
      37. Open ankle fracture. In this case, when the bone is destroyed, the integrity of the skin is compromised.
      38. According to the nature of the placement of the fragment:

      39. Closed damage without displacement. In this case, the bone fragments remain in their natural state and do not shift relative to the longitudinal axis of the tibia.
      40. Closed fracture of the ankle with displacement. Soft tissues are damaged, and sharp fragments are located at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the bone.
  • Apical fracture of the apex of the lateral malleolus without displacement or with displacement.
  • Fracture of the inner malleolus. It is often the result of a severe violation of the integrity of the ankle.
  • Bimalleolar fracture. Occurs due to damage to the ankles - medial and lateral.
  • Trimalleolar fracture. A fracture of the lateral malleolus and medial malleolus occurs in combination with a violation of the posterior part of the tibia.
  • Violation of the integrity of two ankles with the simultaneous formation of a dislocation or subluxation of the ankle. This is a serious injury that will require a long recovery.
  • A fracture of the ankle on the inside or outside occurs in people whose lives include active sports, for example, skating or skiing, football, fast running, parachute jumping. The main reason for the violation of the integrity of the ankle is injury, which happens:

    Factors influencing the frequency and intensity of damage:

  • calcium deficiency in the body;
  • osteoporosis;
  • arthrosis;
  • arthritis;
  • malignant neoplasms.
  • Symptoms of an ankle fracture

    When a patient has a broken ankle, characteristic signs develop quickly, and the nature of the symptoms will depend on the degree of injury to the lower limb. Under the influence of a traumatic factor, a person is unable to move normally: walking brings severe pain, swelling appears. With any physical activity, the ankle hurts even more, and if there is a fracture of the outer ankle without displacement, a large hematoma forms at the site of the injury. If the injury is serious, swelling appears in the upper part of the lower leg and the knee becomes swollen. A double marginal fracture of the right or left ankle is characterized by unbearable pain, painful shock, and the inability to move the affected limb.

    If the injury is open, performing any manipulations with the limb is prohibited.

    When a 2-3 ankle fracture is observed, ligaments are torn at the ankle, the integrity of the tendon is damaged, and severe swelling of the leg occurs after the fracture. In this case, the crack takes a long time to heal, because with such violations additional complications arise. Destruction of the outer and inner ankle is accompanied by traumatic shock and infection. Therefore, if a fracture of the right or left ankle occurs, you need to immediately go to the hospital, where they will conduct an examination and prescribe a treatment regimen.

    If all the symptoms indicate an ankle injury, and the leg looks unnatural, you should urgently call an ambulance. Until she arrives, it is important to help the victim alleviate his condition. Therefore, it is recommended to do the following:

  • Calm the patient and eliminate the traumatic factor.
  • Place in a comfortable position so that the load on the limb and knee is minimal.
  • If the fracture is oblique and open, it is prohibited to carry out any manipulations with the limb.
  • In case of severe bleeding, you should try to stop it by applying a rubber tourniquet over the damaged vessel.
  • A compress with ice or another cold object will help reduce pain and relieve swelling.
  • In case of severe pain, it is recommended to take non-narcotic painkillers such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac.
  • If a crack or damage to the integrity of the bone tissue of the ankle is suspected, the patient is sent for an x-ray, during which the doctor will evaluate the picture of the disorder and determine what needs to be done next. If the pathology is extensive with severe swelling, MRI diagnostics is prescribed. After confirming the diagnosis, treatment for the fracture is prescribed, the scheme of which will be based on the degree, type and nature of the injury.

    How long therapy lasts depends on the severity of the disorder; in severe cases, the patient will need to recover for a long time, and rehabilitation after an ankle fracture averages 1.5-3.5 months. If the patient has a closed fracture of the medial malleolus or lateral one without displacement or rupture of the ligaments, then under general anesthesia the damaged fragments are combined, then a plaster is applied, which is used to grip the ankle up to the kneecap.

    Indications for surgery

    Surgical treatment is necessary in the following situations:

  • open ankle injury;
  • inability to manually correct the offset;
  • improper fusion of the old disorder;
  • double fracture;
  • rupture of ligaments, tendons and muscle tissue.
  • The following types of surgical treatment are prescribed:

  • Osteosynthesis of the inner malleolus. Surgery consists of securely fixing the ankle at an angle of 90° to the axis of the fracture. The outer ankle is then secured with a pin.
  • Fastening of the tibiofibular joint. The fixator is secured through the fibula and tibia, and is additionally secured with a nail.
  • Osteosynthesis of tibial bone fragments. An opening is performed in the ankle joint, and the bone fragments are connected using a long screw.
  • While the damaged area is healing, any load on the limb is prohibited. 1.5-2 months after the operation, the patient can begin to walk with the help of crutches. If the rehabilitation period passes without complications, the bone heals normally, the plaster can be removed. After removing the plaster, an elastic bandage is applied to the damaged area.

    It is recommended to treat pathology using the following physiotherapeutic procedures:

  • electrophoresis;
  • magnetic therapy;
  • UV irradiation;
  • UHF.
  • Return to contents

    Exercise therapy, nutrition and other procedures

    To avoid complications after a broken ankle, it is important to eat right and gradually increase the load on the affected area. Nutrition during a fracture should be complete, include vitamins and mineral components; it is also recommended to take fish oil for quick recovery. The diet is based on the consumption of:

  • meat and fish;
  • milk, cottage cheese, yogurt;
  • porridge and pasta from durum wheat;
  • eggs;
  • fruits, vegetables, herbs.
  • Exercise therapy should first be carried out under the supervision of a trainer, then the exercises should be done independently at home. It is also important to keep in mind that while the affected area is healing, massage and other kneading procedures are contraindicated. At home, to reduce swelling and relieve pain symptoms, it is recommended to use cold compresses, but only if the doctor does not mind.

    Prevention and prognosis

    To prevent ankle injury, you need to move carefully, especially when the roads are slippery. For active sports, it is recommended to choose special shoes that will protect the ankle. It is also important to eat right, take vitamins and calcium-containing medications. If you are concerned about chronic pathologies of the osteoarticular system, it is important to identify them in a timely manner, then the prognosis for recovery will be positive.

    Ankle fracture

    The ankles are the bony structure of the lower leg joints that distribute a person's weight to the feet. The thinnest part of the leg consists of two components: the lateral (outer) and medial (inner) ankles. Visually they look like a large process on the outside of the ankle and a small one on the inside.

    According to statistics, a broken ankle is a common injury that is treated at trauma centers. The causes are trauma: direct or indirect.

    A direct injury is defined as a blow that falls directly on the leg and causes a fracture of one (external or internal) ankle, or both at the same time (dimalleolar). By indirect we mean an injury that occurs, for example, due to a subluxation of a leg. In everyday life, it occurs in people more often than direct trauma.

    There are indirect causes that increase the risk of an ankle fracture. These include physiological deficiencies (intense growth during childhood or puberty, old age, pregnancy and breastfeeding), calcium deficiency, and bone diseases.

    Types of Ankle Fractures

    Fractures are usually divided into two large groups: open and closed. Closed fracture - without damage to the soft tissues of the leg. Open, on the contrary, is accompanied by damage to muscles, skin and other soft tissues from broken bone fragments.

    If we consider ankle fractures deeply, the following types are distinguished:

  • Open fracture;
  • Closed fracture of the outer malleolus or inner malleolus;
  • Closed bimalleolar fracture;
  • Closed fracture with displacement of the lateral malleolus or medial malleolus;
  • Open fracture (sometimes with displacement and subluxation);
  • Bimalleolar fracture with displacement, dislocation or subluxation.
  • Symptoms accompanying a fracture

    General symptoms of fractures:

  • The victim feels acute pain, radiating not only to the injured ankle;
  • The foot joint loses mobility and gradually becomes numb;
  • The deteriorated condition of the injured person is accompanied by weakness, dizziness, nausea;
  • Feeling chills and cold.
  • Closed, no offset:

  • Severe pain at the site of injury;
  • Edema or swelling of the ankle, most pronounced at the site of injury, on the lateral (outer) ankle or medial (inner);
  • Difficulty stepping on a sore limb due to pain;
  • For a similar reason (pain), the ability to bend and straighten the leg decreases;
  • When the inner ankle is fractured, the pain is concentrated exclusively in the indicated area, and when palpated, it radiates to the inner bone. When the outer ankle is injured, when you press on any point of the leg, for example, on the calf muscle, the pain is radiated to the broken place.
  • Closed, with displacement or subluxation:

  • Sharp and extremely severe pain at the site of injury;
  • Severe swelling and swelling of the ankle, lower leg;
  • Deformation of the foot bones;
  • Inability to move independently;
  • Inability to step on the injured foot.
  • Open ankle fracture: signs similar to the closed type, complicated by the appearance of a laceration and bleeding (sometimes extremely heavy).

    Key steps to help with an ankle injury

  • The first thing you need to do when helping with an ankle injury and suspected fracture is to calm down the panic mood - your own and the victim's, and calm down.
  • Call an ambulance or rescue team as quickly as possible (if the injury occurred in a remote area, for example, in a forest or mountains).
  • Do not allow the victim to put weight on the broken leg by trying to stand or move the limb.
  • If pressure from an external factor (log, slab, stones) occurs on a limb, try to carefully free it from interfering factors to avoid additional damage to the leg.
  • Arranging the limb in a comfortable position is determined by the injured person independently. It is permissible to place a cushion made from available soft materials (clothing, pillow, sleeping bag, moss) under your leg in the shin area. Thanks to the elevation, the outflow of blood will decrease, which will prevent the formation of severe swelling of the foot, or will slow down the formation.
  • If there is bleeding from the damaged area, try to stop it. It can be done by cooling the wound, covering it, for example, with snow, ice or another cold object.

    It is advisable to apply cold if there is no need to stop bleeding. This will help reduce pain and swelling of the lower leg.

    If there is bleeding, you should try to carefully apply a tourniquet in the area above the damaged area; you need to relax it for 15-20 seconds every third of an hour.

    Important! If an open type fracture occurs, you cannot even try to set the deformed bone, or remove bone fragments from the wound and take other actions to the affected area, so as not to harm the victim or aggravate the serious condition.

  • Splinting. The splint is necessary to fix the foot in a stationary state in order to ensure the safety of subsequent transportation of the injured person.
  • The tire is made from scrap materials (boards, large branches, plywood, shovel handle, broom); perhaps you have a special tire in your arsenal. Tied with a bandage, belt, rope, or similar to the injured limb. In the case of an ankle injury, it is better to attach the splint to the shin, depending on the affected part of the ankle, from below, on the right or left side of the shin. A correctly applied splint will help avoid aggravation of the injury and simplify the transportation of the patient to the place of qualified assistance.

  • When the pain is severe and the victim cannot bear it, give painkillers without narcotic components.
  • Transportation of the victim to the place of qualified assistance (trauma center, hospital, paramedic station).
  • Treatment of an ankle fracture

    The basis of any treatment for a fractured limb is the restoration of previous functions before the injury.

    When the doctor’s recommendations are followed correctly, recovery is guaranteed.

    There are methods for treating broken bones:

  • Treatment without applying a plaster cast. The method involves the use of therapeutic agents, prescribed for minor injuries. Recovery occurs in approximately 8 weeks.
  • Plaster application is used for injuries without displacement, with displacement, with fractures aggravated by dislocation or subluxation. In these cases, the deformed bone is reduced before applying a plaster cast. The bandage is applied to the leg from the foot to the knee. Bone fusion occurs within 2 months.
  • Surgical intervention is used for open fractures or for severe ones with subluxation, displacement or dislocation, when the plaster cast is not able to fix the bone fragments, they are displaced. Surgical intervention is indicated in the treatment of improperly fused bones or in cases of complete nonunion. It is imperative to regularly take x-rays of the broken limb to control the correct installation of the bones in place and successful fusion. Full recovery occurs within 1.5 – 2 months.
  • A patient with a serious displacement, dislocation or subluxation, whose broken parts of the bones are not fixed in their original places, needs a skeletal traction. In such a situation, a knitting needle with a load is used, the weight of which sometimes reaches 12 kg. After a month, the hood is removed, the patient is given a cast, and bed rest is maintained. Recovery in such severe cases sometimes takes up to six months.
  • Rehabilitation after an ankle fracture

    When the bones heal and the plaster is removed, it is necessary to begin rehabilitation of the limb. After removing the splint, an elastic bandage is temporarily applied in the lower leg area (from the foot to the knee).

    If foreign objects placed in the bone (nails, pins, knitting needles) were used to heal the injury, the devices are removed. In certain cases of serious injuries, titanium retainers are used. They are not removed and can serve a person for a long time without causing damage to the body. Fixing elements made from other metals must be removed.

    Full weight-bearing of the foot is possible after 3-5 months from the moment the cast is removed. Restoration of foot mobility occurs within a period of 3 months to 2 years. The time gap depends on individual factors: the complexity of the fracture (simple, displaced, subluxated), the age of the patient (the older, the longer the recovery process), compliance with the doctor’s recommendations and maintaining a proper diet.

    During the rehabilitation period, the patient is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures, massage and exercise therapy. These methods for effective rehabilitation are prescribed comprehensively, based on the nature of the injury and the characteristics of the patient.

    What to do if you have a broken toe

    The human body consists of more than two hundred bones, so breaking even one of them is considered a serious injury. The lower limb is most often subject to fractures, as it is more vulnerable.

    A fracture of one of the toes is no exception. No one is immune from this type of injury, since it can happen both at home and in other situations. It is necessary to know what signs of a broken toe exist, to be able to distinguish between a fracture and a crack in the toe, as well as the degree of damage. This is necessary in order to understand what first aid should be provided to the victim.

    The human foot consists of 26 bones, which in turn are divided into three sections - the tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges or fingers.

    The structure of the phalanges differs from each other. In addition to the big toe, all the others consist of four bones - the distal or nail, proximal, middle phalanx and metatarsal bone. The thumb has a fifth bone, the sesamoid bone. This bone is considered “harmful” because if it is damaged or broken with displacement, the patient will experience severe pain when walking, even if the treatment and rehabilitation were long and went well.

    It is not difficult to get injured in the form of a broken big toe or other fingers. Human feet are involved in all walks of life. And it is easier to injure the phalanges of the finger due to their location, mobility and fragility.

    Most often, broken toes are suffered by people whose occupation depends on the emphasis on the lower limbs, namely dancers, athletes and military personnel.

    The next factor in such injuries is a sharp kick with the foot on a hard surface or on a sports equipment, as well as improper landing on the feet from a great height without softening. The phalanges also break if you drop a heavy object on them.

    All of the above reasons are among the main factors in which there is a high risk that the finger bones will crack and even break.

    The classification of a toe fracture depends on the cause of the injury, severity and type, and is divided into the following categories:

  • Traumatic injury is a mechanical injury to a healthy bone of the phalanx of a finger: due to a bruise, twisting of the foot.
  • Pathological damage is a violation of bone strength due to the following diseases: tuberculosis, malignant tumors, osteoporosis.
  • Types of broken finger have the following characteristics:

  • Open fracture - the integrity of the soft tissues is damaged by bone fragments, part of the bone is visible through the wound. These injuries are accompanied by displacement of bones, resulting in damage to the skin, muscles and blood vessels. Bleeding occurs.
  • Closed - the dermis of the foot is not broken, the bone is not visible. A closed fracture does not require surgery or additional risk.
  • Trauma with displacement - damaged bones are displaced to the side, injuring nearby nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.
  • Fracture without displacement.
  • Complete—the bone breaks in one or more places.
  • Incomplete - a crack in the big toe and other toes.
  • Comminuted - bones shatter, crack and splinters appear that fall into the wound. This type of toe fracture is most often caused by blunt force trauma. If you fall and get hurt, there are no fragments.
  • A marginal fracture can occur during a strong blow, twisting of the leg while walking, or in another case. It can be complete, incomplete and combined.

    Fractures of the little toe and other phalanges can be displaced, non-displaced, open or closed. This injury can occur both on the nail phalanx and on the main one.

    What are the symptoms of a broken toe you need to know? When a toe is injured, the symptoms depend on the location of the injury, the extent of the injury, and the type.

    If the victim breaks his thumb, the signs are slightly different from other injuries. Since, having only two bones, a large load is placed on it. For a broken thumb and other injuries in general, there are two types of symptoms:

  • A relative sign only suggests that the toe is broken.
  • The absolute sign is that it leaves no doubt that the finger bone is broken.
  • How to determine a broken toe?

    With relative symptoms, the following signs appear:

  • severe pain in the area of ​​injury;
  • a broken finger swells;
  • in rare cases, a bruise forms under the nail;
  • it is painful for the victim to step on;
  • the injured finger goes numb;
  • there is no possibility to move a finger.
  • The intensity of the pain depends on the area in which the fracture occurred. In addition, blood vessels are damaged, causing bruising. Swelling occurs on the finger and nearby tissues and it is impossible to step on the foot.

    The cause of such changes can only be accurately identified through X-ray diagnostics.

    Absolute signs of a fracture, for example, the little toe or the second, as well as the ring finger, can be determined by their appearance. In this case, the finger looks unnatural and moves pathologically at the slightest movement of the foot. If you press on it, you can feel that the bone is not intact.

    Knowing the symptoms listed above, you can find out about finger damage and distinguish the types of damage.

    What to do if your finger is broken? It should be remembered that correctly provided first aid to a patient is a positive effect of therapy.

  • Identify symptoms of a broken toe.
  • Using available means, secure the finger and apply a splint.
  • Applying cold to the injury can reduce swelling of the finger and joint.
  • In case of an open fracture, it is necessary to apply a sterile bandage to the injured finger and urgently take the victim to the hospital. Be sure to elevate the leg, which will ensure blood flow and stop swelling.
  • Give any painkiller to drink to relieve pain. The damaged bone can touch large blood vessels, so you cannot treat the fracture yourself.
  • Having provided first aid, it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital or wait for the medical team to arrive.

    Knowing the symptoms, an effective treatment will be prescribed by a specialist, but for an accurate plan it is necessary to conduct an examination that will help to recognize the type of injury, to understand whether the finger is broken or just a bruise. Since for a certain fracture, treatment can be carried out at home, while for others, a hospital stay will be required.

    You should contact a specialist if there are any signs of this damage. The traumatologist will first conduct an initial examination of the damaged area of ​​the limb, and then prescribe one of the types of examination.

    The most commonly used are radiography or CT and MRI. The injured foot is photographed in several projections. This is necessary to obtain a detailed result, after which the images will be sent to the doctor for interpretation. Based on the data obtained, the doctor will determine how to treat the fracture and whether a cast is needed. He will also answer the patient’s questions - how to quickly cure an injury, and what consequences should be expected.

    Treatment for a fractured phalanx primarily depends on the type of injury. When examining an injury and studying x-rays, a traumatologist will accurately identify the determining factor in the severity of a fracture of the fingers of the lower limb. Let's look at the basic therapy for the injury.

    A fracture of the nail phalanx or marginal fracture of the toe is considered the easiest in medicine. Usually characterized by the appearance of hemorrhage under the nail plate. The method of treating such an injury consists of removing blood clots from under the nail, and fixing the fragments, followed by attaching the affected phalanx of the thumb to the adjacent finger using medical tape. If the hematoma is too large, then complete excision of the nail is performed.

    A fracture of the middle and main phalanx without displacement is immobilized with a plaster. Such injuries heal within four weeks.

    A displaced toe fracture requires its axial extension. If multiple displacement or combined damage to several phalanges has been identified, then manual reposition of the bone fragments is prescribed, and then a plaster cast in the shape of a “shoe” is applied for a period of 3-4 weeks.

    In case of closed fractures with displacement, the reposition of the fragments must be done using the closed method, as carefully and carefully as possible, so that the fracture heals correctly.

    Multiple injuries to several fingers require the application of a splint or plaster plate.

    A fracture of the big toe is one of the most common types of such injuries, since it bears the main load when moving, as a result of which the fracture takes much longer to heal. In case of intra-articular injury, surgical intervention is performed with fixation of the joint with knitting needles. In this case, it is recommended to wear a plaster bandage for 1.5-2 months.

    An open fracture takes a very long time to heal, since this injury is characterized by damage to the skin. First, the bone is restored from fragments, then the wound is disinfected and vaccinated against tetanus, and splints are also used to immobilize the healing finger.

    How long the fracture and minor complications take to heal will depend only on timely treatment.

    Carrying out rehabilitation measures is especially necessary for finger fractures in children, because the small leg is still developing, and therefore requires increased attention during treatment and recovery. This should be understood by both the specialist and the parents.

    During rehabilitation and recovery, special exercises should be performed to develop the injured finger. It is also recommended:

  • Use shoes with orthopedic insoles.
  • During the rehabilitation course, you should never put any weight on a leg with a broken toe, as this provokes a re-fracture.
  • In addition, if the little toe or other fingers are fractured, it is not allowed to step on the injured limb - you should lean on crutches. In the future, you can resort to a cane, this will help the bones heal faster.
  • The most important thing is to give the healing finger bones time to heal completely. Otherwise, negative consequences may occur.
  • A significant role during this period is played by proper nutrition with the consumption of calcium and protein foods, which will speed up the healing process. After completing the course of treatment, you should check the condition of your fingers using an x-ray.

    Quite often, after receiving an injury, the patient ignores mild pain and does not go to a medical facility with the fracture.

    This is fraught with serious complications and unpleasant consequences, such as:

  • The healing of the damaged bone did not proceed properly.
  • A callus has formed, which slows down bone restoration and is a clear cosmetic defect.
  • The appearance of a false joint.
  • Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone marrow caused by infection during an open fracture. Harmful bacteria penetrate into the blood, as well as into the bone structure itself during a comminuted fracture. To avoid infection, treat the wound with antiseptic solutions as soon as possible and consult a doctor for
  • Gangrene is the death of human tissue associated with oxygen starvation and impaired blood circulation at the site of injury. Without emergency intervention, gangrene can spread to healthy tissue, increasing the risk of amputation.
  • Do not delay diagnosis and treatment of the disease!

    Categories : Lower extremity pain

Treatment of varicose veins germany

The best remedy for arthritis

Recent Entries

  • Feet with white spots itching
  • Tablets for varicose veins
  • Varicose veins first manifestations
  • Leg joint enlargement
  • Itchy veins on the legs

Categories

  • Lower extremity pain
  • Diagnostics
  • Legs
  • Prevention
  • Adviсe
  • Treatment options
January 2019
Mon W Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
« Oct    
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

Archives

  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
Zabava-24.ru 2018 All rights reserved