A broken leg is a very scary and painful injury. It can cause loss of normal function and can interrupt normal mobility and work. If not correctly cared for, a fracture may bring permanent impairments, for instance, decreased strength. This makes physical therapy very essential after experiencing a fracture. The most common cause of these fractures is trauma to the body. Motor vehicle accidents or athletic injuries can cause this trauma. Symptoms of these fractures include, but are not limited to, difficulty walking, pain, bruising, swelling, and discolouration. If there is any suspicion of a broken knee, ankle, foot, or leg, immediate medical attention is recommended. This is to avoid long-term disability and loss of function. Treatment of these fractures includes reduction of immobilization and fractures. Reduction is putting back the broken bones into their correct position. This may involve surgery when the fractures are severe but is often done manually. Immobilization is putting the fractured bones in place using a brace to enable proper healing. Once the fracture is healed, a physical therapist can improve your normal function and mobility. Some of the common fractures that can happen to the lower body are;
Hip fractures
Hip Fractures normally occur in older adults and are caused by trauma, for example, a fall. Occasionally, fractures that happen due to bone weakening or pathologic fractures can occur. These fractures usually require surgery to treat them.
Femur fractures
These fractures require a significant amount of force to occur. This force to the femur shaft can cause it to break and may lead to functional loss and a lot of pain. To break the femur, one requires greater force than other bones. Physical therapy may be needed after healing to ensure that normal function is gained.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
They occur when forceful twisting is put on the knee during a trauma. They occasionally require surgery. Physical therapy is necessary to restore normalcy after healing.
Jones Fractures
These are fractures in the fifth metatarsal of the foot. Minor trauma, for example, jumping, can cause fractures. Range of motion may reduce significantly and gait affected. Physical therapy is needed in restoring functional mobility.