Your Podiatrist Can Treat Your Fall-Related Injury
So you read our National Falls Prevention Awareness Month blog post last week, and you’re taking steps to reduce your risk of falls and the foot and ankle injuries they can cause. That’s great, but what happens if, despite your best efforts, you take a tumble and get hurt? What should you know, and what are the best steps to take for a quick recovery?
There are 206 bones in the human body, and more than 25% of them are in your feet and ankles. These range from the big, strong calcaneus (heel bone) to the tiny sesamoids, small, pea-sized floating bones in the bottom of your foot. These delicate bones are vulnerable to fracture, particularly in people with osteoporosis, arthritis, or other illnesses that affect bone health. Throughout your body, the bones are connected by ligaments, thick, rope-like soft tissue structures that stretch and contract as needed. When the ligaments in your ankle suddenly overstretch, a sprained ankle can occur.
A bone fracture or a sprained ankle is a serious injury that can keep you off your feet for weeks. If you suspect you have sustained such an injury after a fall, or if you are unable to stand or walk without severe pain, you should call the My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
If you’re mildly uncomfortable, treat yourself at home with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen and RICE for 24 hours:
- Rest: Take a break from exercise and postpone unnecessary activity.
- Ice: Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
- Compression: wrap your injury in an elastic bandage.
- Elevate: Lie down in bed or on a couch and prop up your leg with pillows so your foot is above the level of your heart.
All of these steps should reduce swelling and relieve your discomfort. Be sure to follow up with a visit to our Ravenswood office to rule out any serious injuries.
