How to Treat a Broken Leg

A broken leg can be a very serious injury, especially if it involves either the knee or the femur, which is the bone that links the knee to the hip. Proper medical treatment, not to mention physical therapy, will ensure a speedy recovery, although it may take as long as a few months for everything to heal properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A cast or splint
• A doctor or orthopedist
• Crutches
• Ice packs

Treat a Broken Leg

1. Immobilize the leg immediately after the injury. Use pillows to elevate the leg to help reduce swelling. In cases where there is a compound fracture, meaning that the broken bone has pierced the skin, call 911 without delay, and try to apply gentle pressure around the injury to reduce bleeding until help arrives.
2. Apply ice packs until you are able to receive medical treatment. Wrap the injured area in a clean towel or shirt so that the ice will not be in contact with the skin. Remove the ice pack every 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Seek medical assistance to determine the severity of the fracture. X-rays will be taken to confirm the fracture, although an MRI (magnetic resonance image) may be taken if the knee is injured.
4. Take proper care of the cast, whether it be plaster or fiberglass, once it is applied to the leg. Never let it get wet, and cover it with a plastic bag while you bathe. If it does get wet, use a hair dryer to dry it off immediately.
5. Avoid sticking sharp objects down into the cast to scratch your leg if it itches, which could easily cause an infection. Instead, apply lotion to dry or itchy areas around the cast for relief.
6. Log onto health-related websites such as Healthsquare to find out more tips on how to properly treat a broken leg (see Resources below).
7. Schedule a follow up visit with your doctor at the appropriate time to check on the healing process, and to determine if it is the right time to remove the cast or splint.

Tips & Warnings

• Notify your doctor immediately if your cast breaks or cracks, or if the cast begins to smell bad or if any new stains appear on the cast. Also check your lower extremities to make sure they do not become discolored, numb or cold to the touch.