It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a foot or an ankle. A broken bone is a common but serious injury that happens to people of all ages, shapes, and origins. In fact, on average, 6 million Americans break a bone every year. It is important that someone with a broken bone gets immediate medical attention so that the situation does not become more severe than it already is. A podiatrist like Dr. Andrew H. Cohen from Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center in Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan can help treat your broken foot or ankle swiftly and professionally.
Why do bones break?
Although bones are rigid and mostly sturdy, they are still slightly flexible. This flexibility is normal in order to do day to day tasks and partake in basic biomechanics. It doesn’t take much to over extend a bone and break it. If too much pressure occurs the bone can fracture. The severity of the break directly correlates to the force that is applied to the bone. If the break is serious then it will take longer for the bone to heal. If the break is very serious it can result in surgery to rebuild the structure of the bone using metal pins and plates.
How does a cast help?
Although a cast does not actually heal the broken bones inside your body, it does hold them in place. This helps the body heal faster and more efficiently. Typically, podiatrists will first x-ray the foot and ankle to determine the amount of damage that the foot sustained. Then they will clean and disinfect the area. Next, they will set the bones so that they are positioned correctly and administer the cast.
What are casts made of?
Casts are made out of plaster and typically have a colorful top layer of fiberglass wrapped around the plaster. The entire process takes about 45 minutes to administer. The cast will not fully dry and cure for at least 72 hours. It is important to keep casts away from water so that the materials do not break down and render the cast useless. Wet casts can cause bones to shift and to heal incorrectly. Call your podiatrist right away if you think that you may have gotten your cast wet.
Did you break your foot or ankle? Do you need the opinion of a highly trained podiatrist? Look no further. Call 989-790-8009 or make an appointment online. Dr. Cohen can help you get your foot and ankle healed in no time.