Fractures (Broken Bones)

If you think you have a Foot or Ankle Fracture , get into a podiatrist for a complete evaluation including x-rays.

NEGLECTED FRACTURES MAY DISPLACE (SEPARATE) AND BE MUCH HARDER TO HEAL.

Follow the stepwise approach listed below until you can be seen by a podiatrist.

1. Stop all exercise activities. Trying to "push through the pain" will worsen the injury and may cause injured bone fragments to separate from each other, creating a fracture that may require surgery to fix.

2. Elevate your foot . This will minimize swelling and alleviate pain. It is best to elevate your foot to at least as high as your heart.

3. Wrap the foot with an Ace wrap or wear a compression sleeve.

4. Ice the foot . Try 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off several times per day. Do not ice while sleeping.

5. If you must walk, wear a fracture shoe or boot.

6. For pain, take an oral pain medicine or anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the bottle. Never take any medication you are allergic to.

7. If you are unable to bear any weight on your foot, use crutches or a wheeled device.

If you think you have a Foot or Ankle Fracture , get into a podiatrist for a complete evaluation including x-rays.

NEGLECTED FRACTURES MAY DISPLACE (SEPARATE) AND BE MUCH HARDER TO HEAL.