When you break a bone in your foot, mobility is challenging. But when you break a foot or ankle bone in the summer, there are extra factors to consider, like the heat and all those pool and beach days. So, what can you do for a broken foot when all you want to do is get outdoors and enjoy the summer? First, you have to know that you’ve actually sustained a fracture. And then? Just follow this plan from Dr. Devin Dimond and Dr Evan Merrill, your podiatrists in Medford, OR.
Broken Foot Warning Signs
If you’ve injured your foot, or noticed pain—especially when you’re active—it could mean that you’ve broken a bone. Here are some of the other symptoms that suggest a broken foot:
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness at the site of the injury
Now, there are different types of foot fractures. A stress fracture could develop over time, due to the pressure of overuse. An acute injury, on the other hand, is usually the result of trauma or an accident. And, in either case, your fracture could be stable, displaced or even open (where the bone is visible through your skin.) The nature of your injury will help determine the course of your treatment—whether you can get away with rest and immobilization, or if you’ll need surgery.
But, no matter what kind of foot fracture you have, one fact remains the same. If you walk around on your injury, you could make it worse, meaning you may need more invasive treatments, while also facing a longer recovery period. So, if there’s even a chance that you’ve broken your foot, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. But that doesn’t have to mean heading to the Emergency Room. Because, in our Medford, OR podiatry practice, we can provide in-office x-rays for accurate diagnostics without the long waits at a hospital.
What to Do for a Broken Foot: Getting a Diagnosis 
If there’s a chance you’ve sustained a foot fracture, going to your podiatrist is a better plan than going to the emergency room. But you don’t have to take our word for it: just check out this study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, investigating children’s treatment for fractures in the Emergency Room.
After seeing 275 children in his own clinic, lead study author and director of pediatric orthopedics Dr. Josh Abzug noted that 90% of their fractures were incorrectly splinted by emergency room specialists. And that could spell big trouble for their long-term recovery, because if a broken bone is not properly set, long term complications could include pain, limb damage and compromised circulation. Even in the short term, the recovery period is likely to be extended. Fortunately, by seeing a podiatrist who specializes in caring for foot bones, you can typically avoid mishaps, guaranteeing the fastest possible recovery.
What to Do for a Broken Foot: See a Podiatrist
Of course, ER doctors do a great job, and are highly trained caregivers. But, given the nature of their jobs, they have to know a little bit about every part of the body, whereas podiatrists are specialists. And that means they know a whole lot about your toe, foot and ankle bones. And that translates to more accurate injury diagnoses, not to mention the ability to properly treat and rehab any foot fractures. Which, as it turns out, is not always the case when you receive care in an emergency setting.
As Dr. Abzug explains in his study, caring for broken bones in your feet and ankles requires specific knowledge. Because, "with a broken ankle, you want to splint the foot about 90 degrees to the lower leg, so that three or four weeks down the road, when the child is ready to walk, her foot is nice and flat, instead of pointed at the wrong angle."
Yet he notes that most ER doctors aren’t following this ideal procedure because of either "a lack of education in some cases, or a lack of attention to detail." Luckily, you don’t have to worry about either issue when you’re seeing a podiatrist for your broken foot. Because, in our Southern Oregon podiatry practice, also serving communities in Northern California, we provide optimized fracture care. Then, we craft a treatment plan that will promote proper healing while causing the least possible disruptions to your daily routine. Of course, during the summer, that can be a bit more challenging. But never fear, we’re here to help you get through the hot and sweaty season, even with a broken foot.
The Summer Game Plan for What to Do for a Broken Foot
After breaking your foot, you may end up in walking boot or cast for the summer. Either way, try and prop up your feet for a rest whenever possible—that could reduce your healing time. Of course, putting up your feet by the pool sound a lot more appealing than being stuck inside all summer. But if you will be hanging out near the water this summer, and you are in a cast, make sure to keep it wrapped with a waterproof cover.
Even if you’re in a removable boot or brace, it’s important to protect the skin on your foot and ankle from heat, humidity and sweat. If your skin gets moist, try to dry off as best you can. That way, you can reduce the risk of a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot. And, if you’re in a cast and you get an itch beneath, don’t try and scratch by stick something down into your cast. Instead, you can try to find relief by blowing cool air down the case from a hair dryer.
Still not sure what to do for a broken foot in summer? Or need some help recovering from an injury? Give us a call at 541-776-3338 or click here to reach our office and request an appointment.