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Cold Weather Can Cause Broken Bones and Sprains
Information provided by American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society - Published: 2011-12-24
Harsh Winter Forecast: The Perfect Storm for Broken Bones - Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons offer Advice Should a Break Occur.
With the Farmers' Almanac prediction of an unusually cold and stormy weather forecast this winter orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are bracing for a busy season.
Unfortunately, snowy and icy weather conditions increase the number of sprains and fractures from falls. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) if a sprain or fracture is not treated properly, it could lead to long-term foot and ankle problems including chronic pain and instability.
John G. Anderson, MD, an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon from Grand Rapids, MI. and the co-chair of the AOFAS Public Education Committee sees his share of broken ankles from falls due to the severe Michigan weather. Should you sustain a foot or ankle injury, Dr. Anderson suggests, "Don't ignore it. Seek medical attention if there is pain, swelling or bruising, to be sure it isn't something serious. Many minor twists and slips can result in significant bone or ligamentous injury, and often, recovery can be hastened by early diagnosis and intervention."
Since a severe sprain often masks the symptoms of a broken ankle, every injury to the ankle should be examined by a physician.
Symptoms of a broken ankle include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Tender to the touch
- Immediate and severe pain
- Inability to put any weight on the injured foot
A broken ankle may also involve damage to or tearing of the ligaments of the ankle. An x-ray will determine the exact location of the break. Often a CT (computed tomography) scan or a bone scan may also be required. If the fracture is stable (without damage to the ligament or the mortise joint), it can be treated with a leg cast or brace. It typically takes at least six weeks for a broken ankle to heal. Additional x-rays will be necessary during the healing process to ensure that changes or pressures on the ankle don't cause the bones to shift.
Surgery may be required if the ligaments are torn or if the fracture created a loose fragment of bone that could irritate the joint. The orthopaedic surgeon may use a plate, metal or absorbable screws, staples or tension bands to hold the bones in place. Afterwards the surgeon will prescribe a program of rehabilitation and strengthening exercises.
Public education resources on ailments of the foot and ankle may be found on the AOFAS Patient Education website www.footcaremd.org The site also features a surgeon referral service, making it easy to find a local orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care.
- This web page is from the Disabled World Bones & Joint Conditions section which provides: Orthopedic Information on the human musculoskeletal system including bones joints and tendons.
- Sprained Ankle Treatment - Sprained ankles often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position.Ankle sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface.
- Tendon Rupture Signs and Symptoms - An Achilles tendon is a tendon located at the back of the lower leg and is connected to the heel bone. Achilles tendon rupture occurs when an individual tears the tendon, either partially or completely.
- Shoulder Rotator Cuff Pain and Exercises - Rotator cuff tendonitis and tears are common disorders of some of the muscles that control movement of the arm and shoulder. Rotator cuff tendonitis and tears are collectively known as Impingement Syndrome.
- Stretching Exercise for Plantar Fasciitis Pain - According to a new study from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), patients with acute plantar fasciitis who perform manual plantar fasciitis stretching exercises, as opposed to shockwave therapy, had superior results and higher patient satisfaction.
- First Aid for a Sprain - Mayo Clinic - Information on how to administer first aid for a sprain from the Mayo Clinic.
- Sprain - An injury in a joint, caused by the ligament being stretched beyond its capacity. A muscular tear caused in the same manner is referred to as a strain. In cases where either ligament or muscle tissue is torn, immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary. Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones. Sprains can occur in any joint but are most common in the ankle and wrist.
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