How Casts Work to Heal Broken Bones

How Casts Work to Heal Broken Bones

On average over 6 million Americans break a bone every year. This is a common but serious injury that happens to people of all ages. It is important that someone with a broken bone gets immediate medical attention so that the situation does not become more severe than it already is. A podiatrist like Dr. Alan J. Discont or Dr. Krahn from Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC in Chandler, Arizona can help treat you broken foot or ankle swiftly and professionally.

Why do bones break?

Although bones are rigid and mostly sturdy, they are still able to bend. This slight flexibility is normal in order to do day to day tasks and partake in basic movements. It doesn’t take much, however to take this flexibility and break it. If too much pressure occurs the bone can fracture. How serious the break directly correlates to the force that is applied to the bone. The harsher the force the more severe the break. The lesser the force the lesser the break. If the break is serious then it will take longer for the bone to rehabilitate. Sometimes very serious breaks result in surgery to rebuild the structure of the bone using metal pins and plates.

How does a cast help?

A cast does not heal the bones but it does keep them in place while they are healing on their own. Podiatrists will first x-ray the foot and ankle to determine the damage. Then they will clean and disinfect the area. Next, they will set the bones so that they are positioned correctly and administer the cast.

What are casts made of?

Casts are made out of plaster and fiberglass. Usually the top layer of the cast is wrapped in a colorful fiberglass. The entire process takes about 45 minutes to administer. The cast will not fully dry and cure for at least 72 hours. It is important to keep casts away from water so that the materials do not break down and render the cast useless.

Did you break your foot or ankle? Do you need the opinion of a highly trained podiatrist? Look no further. Call 480-732-0033 or make an appointment online today to see Dr. Discont or Dr. Krahn. They can help you get your foot and ankle healed in no time.