A broken leg and leg is a condition in which the bones in the foot and leg are broken or cracked. Broken legs and limbs are most often caused by sports injuries or driving accidents. Symptoms can include bruising, pain, and swelling. These symptoms are similar to sprains, but more severe.
The legs and feet consist of 26 bones that extend from the groin to the tips of the toes. Treatment will vary, depending on the location and type of fracture.
Causes of Broken Legs and Legs
Fractures of the legs and feet are caused by a strong impact or pressure, beyond the ability of the bones to cushion. The strong pressure can be in the form of:
- Repetitive strenuous activity.
- Injuries from sports, falls, or driving accidents.
In addition, there are several diseases that can make bones weaker and more prone to fracture, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Rickets
Symptoms of Broken Legs and Limbs
Fractures of the legs and feet will cause pain and swelling. These symptoms are more pronounced when moving. In broken legs and limbs, signs and symptoms may also be found in the form of:
- Deformities of the feet and legs.
- The problematic limb becomes shorter.
- bruises.
- Numb.
- Can't walk.
Children or toddlers are sometimes unable to explain what they are feeling. Parents may suspect a broken leg and leg if the child cannot walk or cries frequently for no apparent reason. If that happens, you should immediately see a doctor.
First Aid for Broken Legs and Legs
Perform first aid if you find someone who has a broken leg or leg, namely:
- As much as possible avoid moving the broken leg and leg.
- Compress the sore area with ice wrapped in a towel, to relieve pain and swelling.
- Do not try to straighten a misplaced bone.
- If there is an open wound, cover it with a clean cloth or cloth.
- If bleeding occurs, press the wound with a clean cloth.
If the person looks pale and appears cold sweats, immediately lie down with the leg elevated, so that the blood flow improves. Help him stay calm until medical help arrives.
Diagnosis of Fractured Legs and Limbs
After the patient arrives at the hospital, the doctor will conduct an examination and ask about the process that caused the broken leg and leg. The doctor will also ask whether there are other diseases that are or have been suffered by the patient. After that, the doctor will suggest a scan test to see the condition of the patient's bones. Scans that can be done to see if there is a broken leg and leg are X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
If it is suspected that there is a disease that triggers a broken leg and leg, the doctor will perform additional tests to confirm it.
Treatment of Broken Legs and Limbs
Handling broken legs and feet includes medication, surgery, and physiotherapy. The doctor will determine the appropriate treatment method based on the location of the bone and the shape of the fracture. However, all treatments are basically aimed at connecting and returning the bones to their original position.
If the broken bone is separated, the doctor will first align its position. After that, the orthopedic doctor will perform surgery to attach the pen to hold the bones that have been aligned. In addition to pen surgery, a cast can also be used to hold the bones in place.
In the healing process, the patient may feel sick so the doctor will give pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have an allergy to the drug.
Once the fracture has healed, the patient may have difficulty walking due to prolonged disuse of the legs and feet. The doctor will recommend the patient to follow physiotherapy. This therapy can reduce stiffness in the feet and legs, as well as train their movement.
Complications of Broken Legs and Limbs
Broken legs and limbs that do not get proper treatment have the potential to cause complications, in the form of:
- Prolonged pain.
- Compartment syndrome.
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis).
- Damage to nerves, muscles, or blood vessels.
- Arthritis.
- The length of the right and left limbs is different.
Prevention of Broken Legs and Limbs
Broken legs and limbs are not a condition that can always be prevented. However, a person can reduce the risk of a broken leg and leg by taking the following steps:
- Maintain bone health and strength by consuming drinks or foods high in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese. Bone health and strength can also be maintained by taking supplements containing calcium and vitamin D. However, first discuss the use of supplements with your doctor.
- Use shoes that match the type of activity, especially when exercising.
- Do different sports alternately, because doing the same exercise over and over will put pressure on the same bone.
- Use proper personal protective equipment when doing extreme sports, such as rock climbing.