Fractures
Definition
A fracture means that a bone has broken. It applies to both obvious breaks where the bone parts are clearly moved apart, and also to "hairline" or "stress" fractures, which can be so small that they may not show up on an x-ray initially. Fractures can occur at all levels of the lower leg, ankle and foot.
Mechanism of Injury
Fractures occur when a bone receives more stress than it can withstand. The stress may be caused by an abnormal or particularly forceful movement, an outside force, or even from high repetition of a normal or low level stress, such as with long distance running or walking. Abnormal posture or mechanics of the foot and leg can sometimes contribute to stress-type fractures.
Symptoms
Fractures may cause obvious immediate deformity of the limb, but may sometimes only reveal themselves through pain, swelling and or discoloration. X-rays are the standard way to assess a fracture. Sometimes other scans such as a CT Scan or MRI may be needed to detect a problematic small fracture. Treatment often involves casting or splinting which may cause one's leg to become weak or stiff after the fracture heals.
Physical Therapy Intervention
Physical therapists help clients restore function of the leg after fracture healing by aiding in pain reduction, decreasing swelling, improving range of motion and strength, as well as improving balance. Physical therapists are experts in helping improve walking during and following healing of fractures.