A Salter-Harris fracture (or an arthroscopic surgery of the foot) is when the bone surrounding the joint becomes damaged through a trauma
This normally occurs in young children or in athletes and can cause limited movement in walking and climbing (if the injury is on the ankle or knee).
Early signs of a fracture include lameness, difficulty climbing stairs, decreased strength, and pain in the affected area. They usually appear after a few days, but sometimes symptoms last for weeks or even months.
It is always a good idea to see your doctor right after you experience pain or discomfort in your leg or any part of your body. A quick X-ray can tell if you have a fracture, and if so, how severe it is. You may be prescribed medications to reduce inflammation as well as pain.
Your doctor will most likely diagnose the injury as an ankle fracture first and then move on to diagnose a metatarsal (foot) fracture. If there is a metatarsal fracture, your doctor will most likely recommend surgical treatment for the metatarsal fracture. In addition, a fracture of the calcaneus is also treated.
The sooner a doctor diagnoses a foot injury, the better. Some of the complications that can result from a foot fracture include wound infection, the development of bone spurs or osteochondromas, which can cause pain, bone fractures, arthritis, and damage to nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. It is extremely important to get a medical examination if you notice that you are suffering from leg pain. Even minor foot injuries can be more serious than you think.
Bones and joints are very delicate and must be handled with great care. See your doctor if you experience pain, swelling, or soreness in the affected area after strenuous activities such as running or jumping. If your legs start to hurt too much and you don't feel pain, it is also important to see a doctor.
If you have a Salter Harris fracture you should make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. The sooner the treatment is started the better it will be for your condition.
If you do experience any pain or swelling after the treatment, your physician may suggest that you use a splint to keep your foot protected during the day to prevent the bone from further spreading. Keep in mind, too much pressure on the affected area may only cause more damage to the bone and lead to a more serious injury.
Before applying anything to a Salter Harris fracture, your doctor will probably want to take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. Your physician may ask you to wear a special shoe to protect the injured area, which will usually be made of a thicker material to prevent further damage to your foot and bone.
If your doctor gives you pain medication for your fracture, you should keep in mind that the medication you take is not meant to actually treat the injury but is meant to help you relax during your treatment. The doctor may prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you do take pain medication to relieve pain during the treatment of the fracture, don't take more than you should, unless the doctor advises you. In most cases, pain relievers are not effective long term and they can actually make the condition worse. Be sure to follow all directions on the drug package carefully.
If you do not feel the need to take any pain medicine, you should talk to your physician about alternative ways to relieve the pain. Many people find relief from home remedies that have no side effects or may even help to reduce pain even more.
