If you’ve hurt your foot and aren’t sure what your next steps are, it’s always a safe bet to go see a doctor. Orthopedic specialists, like the ones at EMU Health, specialize in injuries related to sports and other physical activities. Even if your injury wasn’t due to playing a sport or going to the gym, an orthopedic specialist may be right for you if you are experiencing:
- Mild to moderate pain over a period of several weeks
- Difficulty putting weight on the foot
- Swelling or bruising that won’t go away on its own
- Tingling, burning, or numbing sensations in the foot
In the event you are experiencing any of the above, a medical professional will be happy to provide you with the tools and resources you need to heal your foot. This may include the use of bandages and braces, medication, or surgical procedures.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for Your Foot Injury
We understand that going to the ER can be intimidating and may sound overwhelming. That being said, we encourage our foot injury patients to head straight to the ER if they are experiencing:
- A deep, open wound on the foot
- An injury with pus coming out of the foot
- Severe bleeding from the foot
- Suspected broken bones in the foot
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
Your ER doctor will assess your condition and provide you with the information you need to heal your foot injury at home. This may include being put in a cast or brace, or the need for a surgical procedure.
Home Remedies for Healing a Foot Injury
When trying to heal a foot injury at home, there are a few methods we recommend to our patients, including:
Apply Ice
Apply ice to the affected foot in 20-minute sessions. It’s important not to ice your foot for longer than 20 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage.
Rest
When possible, it’s important that you rest your foot by avoiding walking or bearing weight on it. This allows your muscles and tendons the time they need to heal properly.
Medication
Taking over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. It’s important that you talk to your primary care physician about taking any medication before you start.
Use a Brace or Bandage
When possible, we encourage our foot injury patients to use a brace or bandage to support their foot while it heals. Using compression also helps to reduce swelling and promote healthy blood flow.
Orthopedic Specialist Near Me
If you or your loved one has a foot injury that needs additional medical attention, we encourage you to come to visit the board-certified doctors at EMU Health. Our team of compassionate and skilled physicians is happy to evaluate your condition and provide you with a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better.
In addition to orthopedic services, our state-of-the-art facility is home to a wide range of specialty fields, including primary care, women’s health services, and urology.
If you have any questions about our services or the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, we encourage you to contact us at (718) 850-4368. To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled doctors, feel free to use our convenient online appointment request form.
