Around six million people in the United States suffer from broken bones each year. With 26 separate bones in the foot, it’s likely at least one will break if you take a lot of damage to your feet. A broken bone in the foot can be painful and make it inconvenient to complete routine daily tasks. If you’re dealing with a broken foot, keep reading.
Here are 5 tips that will make it easier to cope with a broken bone in your foot.
An injured foot can really be a hindrance to your daily tasks. Whether it’s school, work, or taking care of the household, you need your feet to get around and be productive.
However, putting weight on an injured foot can prolong the recovery period and make your injuries worse. It’s important to keep your weight off of your foot as much as you can until it heals.
Be sure to use crutches if your doctor recommends them. Keep weight off of your foot until you are instructed otherwise.
Whether it’s a broken bone in your leg or foot, you should always remember P.R.I.C.E. This stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Each of these methods has a different way of helping your broken bone heal faster. By protecting it and resting, you’re preventing further complications.
With ice and compression, you take down the swelling and pain. Lastly, elevating your foot will assist the blood flow to your injured foot.
You may be thinking “my foot is broken, the last thing I want is more appointments to go to.” That’s a valid thought process, however, physical therapy assists in the healing of your broken bone.
Sometimes a physical therapist will allow you to perform at-home exercises for your broken bones. Make sure you follow their instructions thoroughly.
Just because you don’t have to go into a physical therapy office, doesn’t mean you should skip out on important healing methods.
When dealing with a broken bone, you should avoid taking ibuprofen. I know what you’re thinking, “I broke my foot, how else will I deal with the pain?”
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, which is proven to slow down the healing process in broken bones. If the pain is unbearable, try using Aleve instead, as it’s a little less harsh.
If you can, try to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories altogether. The pain from a broken bone doesn’t normally last too long anyway.
While crutches help keep weight off your broken foot, they can be super inconvenient and difficult to use. This may lead to you chucking them out and walking on your injury.
Try purchasing a knee scooter. It will help you get around faster and increase the chances of you reducing the weight you put on your foot.
You should also buy a shower chair, so you don’t put weight on your foot while you shower. Temporary handrails beside the toilet and your bed can also help you keep weight off your foot.
Now you know some great tips for a broken bone in your foot. Now it’s time to begin your healing process.
Be sure to visit a doctor if you notice any complications. Give Coastal Urgent Care Bossier & Haughton a call or email and we’ll be happy to aid you with your injured foot.