A pickup basketball game might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but then again, who knew you were going to come down so awkwardly from that awesome ally-oop? A broken foot or ankle causes extreme pain, can swell and become discolored, and be visibly deformed. It can even bleed if the bone is protruding through the skin. So, what should you do if you break a bone, besides yell out in agony of course? Enlist your teammates to help you follow these first aid steps:
- Stop the bleeding if there is any. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean piece of clothing or cloth and elevate the injury.
- Don’t try to walk on it. Bearing weight could cause further damage.
- If you have access to ice, place it in a towel or cloth and apply to the injury.
- Protect against shock. Get in a comfortable position and cover up with a jacket or blanket.
- Seek medical help. Either call 911 if the injury is severe, or get to an emergency room for professional care. Otherwise, come see us for an X-ray and treatment plan.
Depending on the degree of your break, treatment can range from an immobilizing splint, boot, or cast, to a surgical procedure that corrects the alignment of bones in order for them to heal correctly. Proper healing is extremely important to prevent further problems in the future, which is why a broken bone should be attended to right away!
If you have any questions about first aid for a broken bone, don’t hesitate to call! You can reach our Troy or Clifton Park, NY office at (518) 273-0053 (and next time, maybe just go for a layup).
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