Fractures in Freehold NJ

A fracture is an injury to a bone. Fractures range in severity from minor hairline cracks to complete breaks that penetrate the skin. They can occur during automobile accidents, exercise, or slip-and-fall accidents.

Regardless of the underlying cause, fractures require immediate medical attention. Without braces, casts, or plates and screws, a broken bone won’t heal, resulting in further pain and immobility.

The symptoms of fractures depend on the underlying cause and severity. Indications of fractures include:

• Immediate, throbbing pain
• Pain that increases during activity
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty bearing weight

If you suffer a severe fracture, you might also notice that your foot appears deformed.

To diagnose a foot or ankle fracture, Dr. Lemberger conducts a thorough physical exam. During your appointment, he carefully checks for areas of tenderness on your foot.

Next, he moves your foot in different positions, testing your range of motion. Afterward, you walk around the exam room so Dr. Lemberger can observe your gait and posture.

If these tests don’t provide enough insight to make a diagnosis, Dr. Lemberger might order an X-ray, bone scan, or MRI. These diagnostic imaging techniques provide detailed images of the bones, joints, and soft tissue structures in your feet and ankles.

Treatment of fractures depends on the location and severity of your broken bone. If you have a small hairline fracture, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol) may provide relief and encourage your body’s natural healing process. You might also benefit from taking over-the-counter pain medication to relieve pain and inflammation.

More serious fractures may require one or several of the following:

Reduction
If your fracture causes a misalignment of two or more bones, Dr. Lemberger might recommend reduction. During reduction, he carefully manipulates your bones into proper position. He provides you with a local anesthetic before treatment to limit pain and swelling.

Immobilization
If you have a moderate or severe fracture, you might need a cast or splint. Immobilization must occur for a bone to heal properly. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lemberger might recommend a removable brace, boot, or custom orthotic.

Surgery
If your fracture is due to a crush injury, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Lemberger uses plates, screws, and pins to maintain the position of your bones during healing.