Trauma and Crush Injuries

Trauma and Crush Injuries

Trauma and crush injuries can result from accidents playing sports, dancing, running, motorcycle or bicycle accidents, and so forth.  These injuries can involve broken or crushed bones in the foot, toes, or ankle.  Tendon, ligament, vascular and muscle damage, such as sprains, strains, and tears could result as well.  Stress fractures from the physical demand being placed on the ankle and foot can also result, however, this is a chronic, progressive condition.

Diagnosing Trauma and Crush Injuries

Trauma and crush injuries might involve soft tissues or bones.  Your physician will conduct a physical examination and will feel the area of the injury.  Imaging modalities will need to be used to check for fractures, or possible lacerations.  Imaging modalities, such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan determine the severity of the injury, so the physician come up with an effective treatment plan.

Treating Trauma and Crush Injuries

Trauma and crush injuries can obviously lead to severe pain in the short term and complications in the long term.  The podiatrist may prescribe pain medication, often a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) is used to help lessen the pain and reduce swelling.  Fractures might require a cast or boot along with a mobility device, such as crutches, a cane, or a walker.  Severe injuries will require surgical intervention that varies with the nature of the injury diagnosis.  Physical therapy might be ordered for the patient to help relieve pain and regain use of the foot and ankle during the recovery period.