TRAUMA

A broken leg is a very scary and painful injury. It can cause loss of normal function and can interrupt normal mobility and work. If not correctly cared for, a fracture may bring permanent impairments, for instance, decreased strength. This makes physical therapy very essential after experiencing a fracture. The most common cause of these fractures is trauma to the body. Motor vehicle accidents or athletic injuries can cause this trauma.

 

Symptoms of these fractures include, but are not limited to, difficulty walking, pain, bruising, swelling, and discoloration. If there is any suspicion of a broken knee, ankle, foot, or leg, immediate medical attention is recommended. This is to avoid long-term disability and loss of function. Treatment of these fractures includes reduction of immobilization and fractures. Reduction is putting back the broken bones into their correct position. This may involve surgery when the fractures are severe but is often done manually. Immobilization is putting the fractured bones in place using a brace to enable proper healing. Once the fracture is healed, a physical therapist can improve your normal function and mobility.

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Common types of injuries include:

• Ankle sprains (Acute and Chronic)

• Ankle instability

• Foot and ankle fractures

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Midfoot injuries

• Turf toe

• Shin splints

• Heel pain

• Tendon rupture

• Ligament tears

• Jones Fractures

• Ankle Fractures

• Heel/calcaneal fractures

• Achilles rupture

• Tendon rupture

• Ligament tears