Being injured in the foot or ankle can be a frustrating thing to deal with since you need to use your legs several times during the day. Getting a foot injury means you won’t be able to go to work, do your household chores, or care for your children/family members. Needless to say, you want to get better as soon as possible and back on your feet.
You should take certain steps immediately after a foot injury to ensure speedy treatment and recovery. Ignoring the problem and leaving it untreated can aggravate your condition. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need foot and ankle surgery atlanta. Consult with a specialist today.
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Steps to take following a foot injury
Determine the severity.
The first thing you must do following a foot injury is to understand the severity of the problem to figure out your next steps. Try standing, walking, and running, and assess the appearance of your foot. Pay attention to whether you experience any pain and notice any deformities. If there is pain, determine its degree, whether mild or severe. Remember to not self-diagnose yourself and visit your doctor even if you have little to no pain.
Get plenty of rest.
Your body needs rest and sleep to heal. If your doctor has instructed you to avoid putting pressure on your foot, obey the instructions and avoid putting unnecessary weight on it. If you must walk, use crutches, a walking boot, or other walking aids recommended by your medical provider. Continuing your daily life activities can aggravate the injuries.
Use cold therapy.
For less severe injuries, such as sprains, you can use cold therapy or ice to get relief from the pain. You can use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or a bag of frozen peas. Apply the ice onto the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for the next 48 hours following the injury. To control the swelling, you can use a compression band. However, make sure not to wrap it too tightly.
Seek medical attention.
If your foot pain is severe, persistent, and does not go away with home remedies or over-the-counter medication, you may have a serious issue that needs medical intervention. Ignoring excessive pain can worsen your condition and increase complications. Diagnosing the problem right away allows you to determine whether you need surgery.
Severe deformity, injury, or other severe issues may require surgical procedures. To get back on your feet as soon as possible, consult with a team of doctors today.