When a leg is broken, the bones are damaged, their integrity and functions are violated. Only 30 bones make up the skeleton of the leg - the thigh, knee, tibia and fibula, foot. When injured, they can break into several fragments. Any changes that occur in the bone tissue require immediate treatment and proper rehabilitation.
Foot injuries
Any change in one of the bones leads to the transformation of both the shape and function of the entire foot, which causes the development of secondary arthrosis and flat feet. For a more accurate diagnostic picture, an x-ray of the leg is performed in 2-3 projections. The fracture requires urgent reposition of fragments. Gypsum for fractures of the leg (posterior process) is applied for 2-3 weeks. Other talus injuries require isolation for 4-5 weeks. Full recovery of working capacity occurs after 2.5-3 months.
The talus is the only bone without muscles, it plays a significant role in the formation of the arch of the foot. Such fractures are classified as severe injuries and are the result of an unsuccessful jump, fall from a height orfoot tuck.
Symptoms of broken leg:
- sharp pain;
- swelling in the damaged area;
- visible hemorrhages;
- limited movement;
- foot deformity.
Scaphoid. It is almost impossible to lean on the leg, hemorrhage and swelling are observed on the back of the foot. Probing the bone causes severe pain. Requires x-ray in 2 projections. On average, a plaster cast is fixed for a period of 4-5 weeks.
When the metatarsal bones are fractured, there is local swelling on the sole and dorsal side. Pain is felt on palpation and leaning on the leg. Multiple fractures are characterized by swelling of the entire foot and hemorrhage. Radiography is needed in 3 projections. If there is no displacement, the posterior plaster splint is applied for 3-4 weeks. Bone displacement requires closed reduction, open osteosynthesis, and skeletal traction. The treatment lasts at least six weeks.
Phalanges of fingers. A broken toe causes swelling, bluing, sharp pain during movement and palpation. A hematoma forms under the nail. After a 2-view radiograph, a posterior plaster splint is placed for 4-6 weeks.
- A displaced leg fracture requires a long and complex treatment. Vivid symptoms are sharp pain, swelling with multiple fractures of the entire foot, hemorrhage. It is impossible to lean on the leg, radiography is required in three projections for accuratediagnostic study.
- Fracture of the foot without displacement often occurs due to an unfortunate fall on the heels. Bone fragments are preserved in the correct position.
- Closed fracture of the leg does not entail traumatization of soft tissues. At the moment of injury, you can hear a characteristic click. After a fracture, the foot hurts and swelling is observed.
- With a consolidated fracture, a callus is formed at the site of violation of the integrity of the bone, that is, a fused fracture.
- Jones fracture - injury to the fifth metatarsal bone. Localization occurs in the wide part of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, which is the least supplied with blood.
- Stress fracture (fracture) occurs as a result of a sharp increase in the load on the bone or developing osteoporosis.
Fracture of the big toe automatically deprives a person of full movement until recovery. The bones of the toes are different from the hand in size, the former are thicker and shorter than the latter, which is associated with the functional load that the foot experiences in this area when moving the body.
Fractured leg: hip
A closed fracture is accompanied by painful sensations, limited mobility, an open fracture is accompanied by severe blood loss. Possible shortening and deformation of the injured limb. You can get such a fracture as a result of a car accident, with an unsuccessful fall from a height. With intra-articular damage, pain at rest practically does not bother, it increases with movements.
When a vertical fracture occursunbearable pain during the slightest movement in the hip joints.
Fractures of the bones of the foot in children
Due to the anatomical features of the skeletal system, some leg fractures occur, which are characteristic exclusively for childhood. Despite the activity and mobility of children, they are much less likely to suffer from fractures than adults. This is due to a small body weight, a well-developed cover of soft tissues. The periosteum in children is thicker and richly supplied with blood, which provides even greater protection to the bones. Characteristic for childhood:
- breaks;
- epiphyseolysis;
- osteoepiphyseolysis;
- apophyseolysis;
- subperiosteal fractures.
Bone tissue grows together quickly in children, as a rule, without serious consequences with a properly designed treatment regimen. With improper fusion of bones and fragments, pain will appear not only during movement, but also at rest. Swelling and deformity of the foot will be of concern.
A crack is an unfinished leg fracture, the bone tissue is partially damaged, no displacement occurs. Symptoms are often similar to those of a fracture, so x-rays are required.
When bruised, soft tissues suffer, the working capacity of the limbs is not lost. Signs of injury:
- bruises, abrasions;
- puffiness;
- you can lean on your leg, the damaged limb functions normally;
- bruising.
If it hurts to move your foot,a crack may have formed, a picture is needed.
Dislocations are dangerous because the restoration of foot functions is extremely difficult in two articulating surfaces. Competent and timely treatment will eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
Cracking joints
It occurs due to the incorrect anatomical structure of the tendons or ligaments that move during walking. A characteristic click is heard when hooking on the protrusions of the bones located nearby. The reason for the development of the pathological process can be: an infectious disease, congenital defects of the foot, a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment of foot diseases and operations
Treatment for foot problems includes:
- physical rehabilitation (physiotherapy, massage);
- anti-inflammatory drug therapy;
- prescribing drugs to improve blood circulation;
- taking analgesics;
- folk methods to eliminate puffiness;
- surgery;
- wearing orthopedic shoes and insoles.
The decision to have surgery is made when conservative treatments have failed.
First aid for broken bones of the foot
First aid for a broken toe or foot requires immediate immobilization (immobilization) of the limb. It is necessary that the injured leg takes the correct position, the shoes are removed immediately, in the future, when the leg swells, it will be extremely difficult to do this. With an open fractureleg bones are forbidden to independently manipulate the joints.
First of all, bleeding is stopped, the skin around the wound is treated with a disinfectant, a sterile dressing is applied to the affected area.
You can immobilize your leg by applying a "handy" splint from boards, ski poles. They are superimposed on the inner and outer surface of the leg. In extreme cases, the injured leg is fixed to a he althy one with any bandage.
Rehabilitation and recovery from injury
The main task after a fracture is to restore joint mobility and muscle function. Rehab includes:
- exercise therapy, therapeutic massage, rubbing;
- performing a special set of exercises;
- normalization of the diet, the use of foods fortified with calcium.
After removing the cast, swelling is often observed due to impaired blood flow. Well helps from stagnation rubbing with cedar oil. The next stage of rehabilitation after rubbing will be baths and exercises.
Immobilization and orthosis
The most important point from which treatment begins is the immobilization of the damaged joint in a convenient way. Orthoses are a kind of external skeleton that fully reflects the anatomy of the limb. The main task of immobilization is to provide rest to the damaged area of the body.
Exercise and exercise therapy
This is the most effective and safest way to restore joint and muscle performance. Exercises are performed after a preliminary warm-up, gradually. Positive effect achievedwill be with regular practice. The easiest exercises to do daily:
- swing your leg while sitting on a chair;
- rotational foot movements;
- walking;
- swing cross-legged lying down.
A leg after an ankle fracture takes a particularly long time to heal.
Orthopedic insoles and massage
Orthopedic diseases of the feet tend to progress. With the help of insoles and shoes, you can prevent the formation of pathologies or slow down their development. The insoles are essential for the proper functioning of the foot.
Massage is one of the most important points of recovery measures after bone fractures. The leg, which is in a cast, is deprived of normal lymph flow, therefore it swells. To avoid congestion, restore vascular tone, and massage is needed. In addition, acupuncture massage helps to restore the entire body. It is important to know which points are responsible for which organ:
- pads of the extreme phalanges of the fingers - paranasal sinuses;
- fold of the third and second fingers - eye area;
- anterior and lateral plantar surfaces of the feet - zones of the bronchi, throat;
- front section of the arch of the foot on the left leg - organs of the cardiovascular system;
- depth of the arch of the feet - solar plexus, stomach, adrenal glands and kidneys;
- depth of the arch of the right foot - liver area.
Osteotomy is a surgery performed to correct a deformity by artificially breaking a bone to bring it into the correct position.
Osteosynthesis is a procedure for connecting bone fragments, necessary for their strong fixation before fusion.
Resection involves the removal of the affected area of the bone to treat certain pathologies. It is carried out with a bone tumor, tuberculosis in order to restore the shape and integrity of the bone.
Drugs for the restoration of cartilage and bones
Special medicines and vitamin complexes help restore cartilage and bone tissue and reduce stress on the joints. Vitamins and minerals strengthen the connective tissue of ligaments and bones. A lack of vitamin D provokes inflammation. Vitamins C and B5 are required for collagen synthesis. Preparations will help to get the maximum preventive and therapeutic effect:
- glucosamine sulfate;
- calcium in an easily absorbed form;
- chondroitin sulfate;
- vitamin D;
- collagen in the form of a daily norm of gelatin in 10 g.
In the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it is recommended to use funds to improve blood circulation. The severity of a fracture depends largely on its location.
