It's important to know about leg and leg fractures

The foot and leg are made up of dozens of bones in a bony structure as part of the movement system. The two of them work together to help you walk. If even one bone is broken or fractured, it will be difficult for you to walk and carry out activities. So, how do these types of fractures occur? The following is a complete explanation of the definition, symptoms, causes, and treatment of leg fractures.

Definition of leg and leg fractures

Leg and leg fractures are when one or more bones in the foot and leg are broken, fractured, or broken. Broken bones in the feet and legs can occur anywhere, from the thigh (femur fracture), lower leg (tibia and fibula fracture), to the ankle, sole, and toe.

The types of fractures that occur can vary, such as open, closed, and fracture fractures displaced or nondisplaced fracture. The shape of the fracture can also be various, but the most common ones are transverse, oblique, spiral, or comminuted. Meanwhile, stress fracture is a type of fracture that often occurs in the foot and ankle.

• Fracture of the femur

Femur fracture is a fracture that occurs in the upper leg or thigh. It is the long bone that extends from the hip to the knee and is the largest, strongest and longest bone in the body. Thus, these fractures of the femur or femur generally occur only with very strong pressure or impact.

• Fractures of the tibia and fibula

Tibial and fibular fractures are conditions when the bones in the lower leg, namely the tibia (shin bone) and fibula (calf bone) are broken. Both of these bones may break at the same time. However, tibial fractures are more common because they are an important part of the knee and leg joints and support most of your weight.

• Broken ankle

An ankle fracture is when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint become fractured or fractured. The bones that make up the ankle are the lower part of the tibia and fibula and talus (the small bone that is between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula).

• Broken fingers and feet

Finger and foot fractures generally occur in the phalanges, which are the small bones that make up the fingers, as well as the metatarsal bones that are located in the soles of the feet. There are two phalanx bones in the big toe and three phalanx bones in the other four toes. The metatarsal bone has five segments, each of which is connected with a finger above it.

Among these bones, Jones fracture is the most common type of fracture. Jones fractures occur in the small bones of the fifth metatarsal (the bone in the sole of the foot that connects to the little finger) that receive less blood. Therefore, this type of fracture is more difficult to heal.

Signs and symptoms of leg and leg fractures

Common signs and symptoms of leg and leg fractures include:

• Intense pain, which generally gets worse with movement.
• Bruised, swollen, and tender feeling around the fractured leg or leg.
• Deformities or deformities in the foot, such as the side of the leg that is fractured to be shorter or a part that protrudes.
• Difficulty standing, walking, or bearing weights.
• Numbness in the foot or leg.
• There is a cracking sound when the bone breaks.

In severe conditions, such as an open fracture, the broken bone can penetrate the skin and cause injury. Meanwhile, in children, especially toddlers, crying and refusing to walk are the most common characteristics of fractures. The reason is, toddlers have not been able to explain what happened to him.

Causes of leg and leg fractures

A common cause of fracture or fracture is strong pressure or impact. In leg and leg fractures, this can occur for several reasons, such as:

• Fall down

Falls can fracture any leg or leg bone. However, in particular, stumbling falls can generally cause fractures in the ankles, soles, and toes.

While falling from a height while standing can cause fractures of the tibia and fibula. Falling from a height can also cause femur fractures, especially in the elderly who have weak bones.

• Accident

Leg and leg fractures can also occur due to accidents, both motorbikes and cars. This is the most common cause, including being hit by a car or motorcycle while walking.

• Sports injury

Injuries during contact sports, such as falling while skiing, being hit by another player while playing soccer, getting hit by a hockey stick, etc., are common causes of fractures of the tibia and fibula.

• Fall of goods

Dropping heavy objects into the foot area, especially the soles and toes, can fracture that area of ​​the bone.

• Excessive use of feet

Excessive and continuous use of the foot and leg can cause fractures or stress fractures, such as long distance running or jumping.

Apart from those mentioned above, the Mayo Clinic said, leg fractures in children can also occur due to abuse, especially if it occurs before the child can walk.

Risk factors for leg fractures

Several factors are also said to increase a person's risk of fractures in the feet and legs. These risk factors, namely:

• An athlete or often does heavy-intensity sports activities, such as basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, running, gymnastics, hockey, and so on.
• Use of inappropriate sports techniques or equipment, such as using shoes incorrectly or not warming up before exercise.
• Work in an environment where there is a risk of falling from a height or falling heavy objects, such as a construction site.
• Certain conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis.
• History of rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
• Smoking habit.

How to diagnose leg and leg fractures

To diagnose a fracture that occurs in the leg or leg, the doctor will ask how the injury occurred and what symptoms you have. The doctor may also ask you about your overall medical history, including any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes and so on. Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check for any visible signs of fracture.

If a fracture is suspected, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, or CT and MRI scans to find out the condition of your bones and internal structures in more detail. Bone scan (bone scan) or other tests may also be done, to help the doctor diagnose a fracture that is not visible on an X-ray or has certain medical conditions.

Medication and treatment of leg and leg fractures

Medications and treatment for fractures in the legs or legs can vary. This depends on the specific location of the bone that has been fractured, the cause of the injury, type of fracture, severity, age and overall health condition of the patient. However, in general, treatment for fractures in the foot or leg is:

• Cast or other support

Reducing movement and holding the broken bone in the right place are important in the fracture healing process, including in the leg and leg. One way to accomplish this is to place a cast or splint in the area of ​​the leg or leg that has the fracture.

However, before installing the tool, the doctor will first make sure your bones are in the proper and normal position. When shifting, the doctor will align your bones first so they heal and come back together in their correct position. Generally, this procedure requires general or local anesthesia.

In addition to a cast or splint, for fractures of the wrist, soles, and toes, the doctor may simply attach other removable supports, such as brace,a boot, or shoe with a stiff sole. Consult about the proper support for your conditions.

• Drugs

You may also need to take medication to reduce pain and inflammation from fractures in your thighs, lower limbs, and ankles, soles, and toes. Medicines that are generally given by doctors, namely pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other stronger drugs.

• Operation

In severe fractures, you may need to undergo surgery to align and help the healing process. During the surgery, fracture pins, either internally or externally, are attached to hold the fractured bone in its proper position while it heals.

Generally, this procedure will be performed if you have certain conditions, such as:

• Fracture of more than one bone.
• The broken bone moved far enough.
• The fracture has affected the joint.
• Damage to the surrounding ligaments occurred.
• The fracture has extended to the joint.
• An accident so severe as to cause an open fracture.
• Does not heal using only a cast or other support device.

In addition, surgery is also the most commonly performed treatment to help the healing process of a femur fracture or femur fracture, both on the right and left. Non-surgical healing of a femur fracture is extremely rare, except for children who may be adequately treated with a cast.

• Physical therapy

Once your bone is declared healed, you generally need rehabilitation or physical therapy to reduce stiffness and increase range of motion in the injured leg and leg. This is because the lack of movement during the use of a cast makes your feet and legs prone to stiffness and the muscles around them become weak.

How long can it take to return to walking after a leg and leg fracture?

You are declared to be healed when the broken bone has reconnected or the fracture has disappeared. The length of the healing process can vary, depending on the specific location of the injured bone, age, and severity.

In a fracture of the femur or fracture of the femur, the healing time can take up to 3-6 months, while fractures of the tibia (shinbone) and fibula (calfbone) can be as long as 4-6 months. Meanwhile, in an ankle fracture, it generally takes up to 6 weeks for the bone to heal. The sole of the foot can heal in 6-8 weeks and the toes can take 4-8 weeks.

The healing process may take longer if you have a type of open fracture that is at risk for infection, has a high severity, or has certain medical conditions. As for children, the healing process can be faster.

During this healing period, you may need to use crutches (crutches). Even after you recover, you may still need crutches or even other support when you carry out activities, such as walking, standing too long, and others.

The crutches or crutches may be slowly removed until you have fully recovered and are able to carry out activities, including walking, as usual. Always follow the doctor's instructions regarding the right time to be able to walk normally and carry out activities as usual.

Tips to speed up the recovery process after a broken leg and leg

To speed up the healing process, you can follow the tips below during the healing and recovery period of your leg and leg fracture. Here are the tips:

• Eat the recommended foods for fractures, such as milk, and avoid foods that can slow recovery.
• Apply ice to areas of the feet and legs that experience pain and swelling.
• Do not drive while in a cast, boot, or other support device.
• Raise the injured leg at rest to help reduce swelling.
• After recovering, do not rush back to normal activities, especially strenuous activities. Begin to return to activities slowly and as directed by your doctor.