If I Can Walk On It, It's Not Broken, Right? Wrong!...

Foot & Ankle Myths:

1. "It can't be broken, because I can move it." Have you ever heard this one? I can't tell you how many times I've been asked this question by patients, friends, and even family members. This is actually what most people think. It's false! This widespread idea has kept many broken bones from receiving proper treatment. The truth is that often you can walk with certain kinds of fractures. Some common examples are fractures of the smaller lower leg bone (the fibula), small chip fractures of the foot or ankle bones (commonly seen with ankle sprains), and fractures of the toes (especially the little toe).

2. "If you break a toe, immediate care isn't necessary." See #1. Many people think that a fracture of a toe doesn't need any treatment. Again, false! All fractures need to be evaluated by a physician. A toe fracture needs prompt attention. If X-rays show that it is a simple, non-displaced fracture, care by your podiatric physician usually can produce rapid relief. However, X-rays might identify a displaced or angulated break. In such cases, prompt realignment of the fracture by your podiatric physician will help prevent improper or incomplete healing. Sometimes fractures do not show up in the initial X-ray. It may be necessary to X-ray the foot a second time, about seven to ten days later. Many patients develop post-fracture deformity of a toe, which results in a deformed toe with a painful corn down the road. A good general rule is to seek prompt treatment for any injury to foot and ankle bones.

3. "If you have a foot or ankle injury, soak it in hot water immediately." Wow! This one is too common! This statement is definitely false. Do not, I repeat, do not use heat or hot water on an area suspect for fracture, sprain, or dislocation in the first 24-48 hours. Heat promotes blood flow, causing greater swelling. More swelling means greater pressure on the nerves, which causes more pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel has a contracting effect on blood vessels, produces a numbing sensation, and prevents swelling and pain. Your podiatric physician may make additional recommendations upon examination. (Heat may be used later, but your doctor will tell you when and how to use it. Heat has great therapeutic uses in physical therapy, but not in the immediate recovery from an injury!)

4. "Applying an elastic bandage to a severely sprained ankle is adequate treatment." OMG! I hope you all read my latest published article "It's Not Just An Ankle Sprain." http://www.submityourarticle.com/articles/Michele-Colon-4993/ankle-sprain-71233.php I discussed why this one is completely false! Ankle sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments, and they should receive immediate care. X-ray examination, immobilization by casting or splinting, and physiotherapy to ensure a normal recovery all may be indicated. Surgery may even be necessary.