Surgery For A Foot Stress Fracture

Surgery For A Foot Stress Fracture

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Most of the time foot fractures will heal on their own if the healing process is handled correctly. This means that not even so much as a cast is required for most. However, there are cases where the stress fracture of the foot is so severe, that surgery is required to stabilize the foot and aid in the healing process.

Types of Fractures That Require Surgery

Fractures referred to as "non-union" stress fractures are the type that most often require surgery. This means that one has a stress fracture that has failed to heal properly, and the union of the crack between the bones was unsuccessful. This is most often associated with stress fractures in the toe. Sometimes the bone heads fragment and thus cannot contribute to the healing process. This means that there are no new blood vessels grown and thus no blood delivered to the area, which means the area has no way to heal itself.

The Basic Surgical Process

The idea behind the surgical process used to treat this type of stress fractures is to clear out the areas of dead tissue so as to allow the natural healing process to be able to occur. The area will also need to be stabilized, and this is often achieved through the insertion of a screw, plate, or other stabilizing device. Often, healthy bone (most often taken from the so-called "spongy" bone of the pelvis area) will be grafted onto the fractured bone as a way to help stimulate new growth.

After Care

It is important to follow all the aftercare instructions that are provided to you by your doctor. This will not only insure that the foot heals properly, but it will also reduce your risk of infection. When you have a stress fracture fixed by surgical methods, there is a longer period of recovery time involved.

You may or may not be required to wear a cast and pain may continue for a short time, however over the counter pain medication such as acetaminophen works just fine. If you do have a cast, you can regularly apply heat as a way to help keep the circulation going and it will also help with any swelling. If you do not have a cast, you can massage the legs and this will help to stimulate blood flow and also obtain relief.

In most cases stress fractures just require some time to heal, and a period of rest is the best treatment. Sometimes, a foot splint or brace will help to ensure the bones receive no further damage.

About the Author:
Toby White writes on heath and fitness and has suffered from a foot stress fracture. There is not a lot which can be done to heal the condition, however if stress fracture symptoms are spotted early the condition can be treated quickly.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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