What would a GP do if a patient had a fractured bone in their foot?!


Question: What would a GP do if a patient had a fractured bone in their foot?
I am doing an assessment, I have to write a script consisting of a range of tests to be conducted relating to the diagnosis, evaluated treatment options and successful risks associated with the treatments.

So if I were a general practitioner and I had a patient come to me with a fractured bone in their foot, what symptoms would they have (sore foot dah.. I mean would a fractured bone be obvious to them or not) How would I go about finding out which bone it is that is fractured? And how would I go about helping them, and would there be any possible risks involved in my treatment?

Answers:

Dr. A is correct. I would like to add to the risk part. There are many bones that make up the foot. Depending where the fracture is a cast may have to be applied. If said cast is applied incorrectly you can leave a pt with permanent damage to tendons and ligaments. And no, fractured bones are not always obvious thus that is why we have xrays and even MRI's.
From personal experience: got bucked of a horse last year and went to the local ER where after an xray I was told is was just a bad sprain in my knee. I said "nope I think it's broken" I left with no crutches and a diagnosis of a severe sprain. My leg was broken in not one but four places and I had a complete ACL tear. This was found out when I demanded an MRI from my GP as I still could not walk properly 4 months later.. If in doubt get a referral to an orthopedist. I am a nurse by the way and was not impressed with how I was treated. I now have to live with the damage that was done as the fractures have healed in place.



To be able to diagnose a fracture, x-ray of the foot must be done. And treatment will be dependent on the type of fracture present. What part of your foot was fractured? Are there other signs or symptoms present? It is important to stabilize and elevate foot. Pain medications may be indicated. Toe fractures are common and generally heal well with little or no therapy.

http://www.askdoctorforfree.com/fracture…




The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories