Types of Leg Injuries

• Fractures are broken bones. They can be caused by a direct blow, twisting injuries, or falls/jumps from a height and landing on the feet. If a bone is broken in the leg, it will be hard to put full weight on the leg. There will be pain and swelling. A broken ankle is one of the most common broken bones in adults. It can be hard to tell an ankle break from a bad sprain. Other common fractures occur in the hip, thigh bone (femur), around the knee and in the shin bones.
• Microfractures can happen along the surface of a bone due to repeated minor injuries. Shin splints happen this way, often due to repeated running or not running in the proper footwear. They cause pain in the bone, but often go away with lengthy rest.
• Dislocations happen when a bone is pulled out of its joint socket. Dislocation of the ankle often happens with fractures of the joint. It may need surgical repair.
• Sprains are stretches and tears of ligaments. These often occur in sports injuries when ligaments are stretched and pull away from the bone they are attached to (or even snap). These injuries can cause the joint to be unstable (feel wobbly). Unless just a minor sprain, may need surgical repair.
• Strains are stretches and tears of muscles. These can range from minor to severe tears, causing a lot of pain, swelling and bruising.
• Muscle Overuse. Muscle pain can occur without an injury. There is no fall or direct blow. Muscle overuse is from hard work or sports.
• Muscle Bruise from a direct blow.
• Bone Bruise from a direct blow.
• Skin Injury. Examples are a cut, scrape or bruise. All are common with leg injuries.

Pain Scale

• Mild: you feel some pain, but it does not keep you from most normal activities. Work, activities and sleep are not changed.
• Moderate: the pain keeps you from doing some normal activities.  It may wake you up from sleep.
• Severe: the pain is very bad. It keeps you from doing all normal activities.

When to Call for Leg Injury

Care Advice

What You Should Know about Minor Leg Injuries:

• During sports and activities, muscles and bones get bruised.
• Muscles get stretched.
• Many of these injuries can be treated at home.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Pulled Muscle, Bruised Muscle or Bruised Bone Treatment:

• Pain Medicine. To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Use as needed. Ibuprofen works better for this type of pain.
• Cold Pack. For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on the sore area for 20 minutes. Repeat 4 times on the first day, then as needed. Reason: helps with the pain and helps stop any bleeding. Caution: avoid frostbite by wrapping the ice or cold pack. Don't put the ice or cold pack directly on the skin.
• Heat Pack after 48 Hours. If pain lasts more than 2 days, put heat on the sore area. Use a heat pack, heating pad or warm wet washcloth. Do this for 10 minutes, then as needed. Caution: avoid burns by wrapping the heat pack. Don't put it directly on the skin. For stiffness all over, take a hot bath instead. Move the sore leg muscles under the warm water.
• Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours. Keep the toes and other joints moving gently, if you can.

Mild Sprains (stretched ligaments) of Ankle or Knee Treatment:

• First Aid: apply ice now to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain. The more bleeding and swelling there is, the longer it will take to get better. Wrap with an elastic bandage.
• Pain Medicine. To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Use as needed but do not take more than the maximum recommended dose as listed on the package. Continue for at least 48 hours.
• Treat with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours. Keep the toes and other joints moving gently, if you can.
• Ice or Cold Pack: for pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on the ankle or knee for 20 minutes. Repeat 4 times on the first day, then as needed. Reason: helps with the pain and helps stop any bleeding. Caution: avoid frostbite by wrapping the ice or cold pack. Don't put the ice or cold pack directly on the skin.
• Apply compression with a snug, elastic bandage for 48 hours. Numbness, tingling, or increased pain means the bandage is too tight.
• Elevate. Keep the injured ankle or knee elevated and at rest for 24 hours. After 24 hours, do any activity that doesn't cause pain.

Small Cut or Scrape Treatment

• Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding. Do this for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
• Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Try to rinse the cut under running water if you can, or in the shower.
• Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
• Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Then, cover with a bandage. Change daily.

What to Expect:

• Pain and swelling most often peak on day 2 or 3.
• Swelling should be gone by 7 days.
• Pain may take 2 weeks to fully go away.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Pain becomes severe
• Pain is not better after 3 days
• Sudden increase in pain and/or swelling a few days after the injury
• Pain lasts more than 2 weeks
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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