Typically, a broken leg requires medical care and often needs computer imaging and lab tests for proper diagnosis. In severe cases, the broken leg may need surgery or an implanted device to maintain proper alignment. In any case, diagnosis and treatment are critical to the healing process. To learn more about a broken leg in Oklahoma City, contact Olsen Orthopedics.
Broken Leg in Oklahoma City
A broken leg can be very painful and cause the injured person to panic, but it is important to stay calm and don’t try moving or touching the injured leg until examined by a medical professional. In emergencies, call 911, especially for broken thighbones.
Symptoms of a Broken Leg
It’s best to call a medical professional if the injured person can’t bear weight without a lot of pain or if it hurts when any pressure is applied to boney parts of the leg. Other symptoms include swelling and possibly deformities if the break is severe.
It can take a great deal of force to break a bone, especially one in the legs. The most common causes include falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and overuse. Stress fractures can also develop in weight-bearing bones from repetitive force (like running or jumping) or from normal use if the bones are weakened by a medical condition like osteoporosis. These fractures can worsen without proper treatment and recovery time.
Treatment of a Broken Leg
After an X-ray and a physical exam, during which the doctor looks for open wounds, deformities, along with swelling and tenderness, a specific treatment plan will be laid out for you by our doctor. Usually, treatment starts with setting the fracture, if it was displaced. Then, the injury might be placed in a splint for the first few days to allow swelling to subside before applying a cast.
Recovering from a Broken Leg
After removing a cast or splint from the broken leg, don’t overload the injury. Depending on the injury and your medical history, it can take several months to a year to fully recover. Prevent future injuries by building muscle strength around the bone and starting new activities slowly. Try changing up your exercise routine to reduce stress on bones.
To schedule a consultation and learn more about treating a broken leg in Oklahoma City, consult the team at Olsen Orthopedics. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started.
