What is the diagnosis of Leg Fracture?

It is essential to have a doctor examine your leg thoroughly as soon as possible after injury. In the meantime, a combination of rest, elevation (placing the limb on a higher level than the heart) and application of an ice pack (to ease the swelling and pain) can be done gently to help ease the symptoms.

[Read: What is the Treatment of Leg Fracture?]

Usually, the doctor physically examines the affected area by touching itand carefully trying to attempt mobility. Based on the examination, the doctor will conduct an X-Ray to exactly determine the extent of the fracture. The X-ray then guides the doctor in the appropriate treatment.

Treatment involves putting the limb into a brace, cast or a splint to prevent excess movement and to set the bones back into place. Painkillers are administered to help ease the pain factor when the injury is recent. Resting the limb is strongly recommended.

[Read: What is a Leg Fracture?]

In the case of more serious fractures or in open fractures, surgery may be required to help set the bones into place. If the doctor determines necessary, then surgical traction is used to pull the bones back into place. In this case a pin may be put in your bone or cast and hooked to the traction device. Weights are hung from the traction device to help pull the bones into the right position.

Subsequently, physiotherapy is often suggested to help strengthen and mobilize the limb and its weakened muscles as well as using crutches or a cane as support while moving around. Care must be taken initially while moving the limb and returning to normal activity, once recovery is determined.

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