One of the worst foot injuries to deal with is a broken foot. Dr. Elizabeth Hofmeister and Dr. Rebecca Hodulik are your trusted podiatrists at Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic who can help heal a fractured foot in Manteno, IL. This foot condition won’t heal independently and failure to get immediate care may result in permanent damage.

How to Immediately Handle a Broken Foot Manteno, IL

You may suffer a foot fracture from injury after a direct impact, fall, or playing sports. When this happens, stay off your foot. A fractured/broken foot can't handle your full body weight, so forcing the issue can make the break worse. Try to create a makeshift splint until you reach medical care. Something like a rolled-up towel or elastic bandage can provide temporary stability. Ice and elevate it above heart level to reduce pain and swelling. 

Broken bones should be treated as an emergency. Seek medical care at the emergency room or podiatrist as soon as possible. They will provide medicine for pain and stabilize it with a splint, brace, or cast until the bones heal. If you go to an emergency room, consult a podiatrist later to ensure foot health and physical therapy. Physical therapy can speed up healing and improve the range of movement once the bones have healed.

Signs of Foot Fracture

A broken foot is painful and can begin to throb. If you try to put weight on it, the pain will worsen. You will likely have major swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the area.  An open fracture is severe as the bone may be sticking out of the skin.

Consequences of Not Getting Immediate Care

Don’t ignore a broken foot or think you can manage it with self-care. Failure to get immediate medical care will result in chronic pain and mobility issues. You can develop arthritis in the untreated joint. Infection can occur from any open wound, such as an open foot fracture. Your mobility will permanently become altered due to misalignment from improper bone healing. 

Doctors will stabilize the foot, so the bones will heal in their set position over several weeks. Open fractures will usually require surgical intervention. Doctors can also check for nerve or blood vessel damage during an exam. You can experience circulation and neuropathy without proper care.

Contact Us for More Information

When you have a broken foot in Manteno, IL, always take it seriously. At Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic, Dr. Hofmeister and Dr. Hodulik can provide quality, expert care for various foot injuries. When you need to fix a foot fracture, call us at (815) 468-7117.