1. If You've Fallen and Can't Get Up...
Chances are you might have a broken leg. Trauma from a fall, a sports injury, a car wreck or blunt force trauma can all cause a broken leg. Suddenly twisting your lower leg can also cause a broken leg. A fractured tibia (shinbone) is the most likely bone injury in the leg. It may be difficult to know if you have a broken leg if the break is close to the ankle, because you may think it's only a bad sprain.
2. You Might Have a Broken Leg...
If you have a lot of pain when you try to move the leg, the leg might be broken. Symptoms of a broken leg include pain, deformity, swelling, bruising or discoloration. If your leg looks out of alignment or is twisted, it is probably broken. An open fracture happens when a portion of the bone comes through the skin.
3. Sit--Stay
A broken leg is a medical emergency, so call for help immediately. The medical emergency comes with damage that goes beyond a broken bone. There are many soft tissues, blood vessels and nerves that can be damaged as the result of the broken leg. It's important to get examined as soon as possible to avoid permanent injury. While you are waiting for help, elevate the leg if possible. Elevating the leg reduces swelling and can help ease the pain. Try to immobilize your leg using props on either side of the leg. Don't try to splint the leg yourself, unless no immediate help is available. Put ice on the broken leg if someone is with you to help; ice reduces swelling and further injury. If the bone is sticking out of the skin, cover it with a sterile bandage if possible. If you don't have a sterile bandage, keep all clothing away from the bone. The bone must be kept as clean as possible to reduce infection.
4. Patients Need Patience
The type of treatment for a broken leg depends on many things. The Doctor will take into account the location and severity of the break, your general physical condition and your normal lifestyle. A simple break, a hairline fracture or one that's not out of alignment can usually be treated by an emergency room doctor. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are usually given. An orthopedic doctor needs to treat more complex broken legs. Treatment can be as simple as a cast or as complex as surgery with pins and plates.
5. Follow Through and Follow Up
Follow the instructions from your doctor for a speedy and successful recovery. The doctor may have you put weight on the broken leg or may want you to keep weight off. You will probably have physical therapy to learn how to safely use crutches or a walker. Extensive injuries may require physical therapy sessions to help you regain strength and mobility. Remember the doctor's orders were written just for you.
