How Do I Know if My Foot Injury Is Serious?

There’s no denying the importance of your feet. Walking, running, jumping, and playing are all impossible without them.

Because of this, a foot injury could have a serious impact on your life. While every injury is different, there are a few red flags that can let you know when to take action.

You might wonder, “How do I know if my foot injury is serious and warrants medical attention”? Read on for answers to this question and more.

Extreme Intolerable Pain

If you have sustained a foot injury and are experiencing extreme, intolerable pain, it is likely a sign that you need to seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the injury, it could be something as simple as a small sprain or as serious as a bone fracture or dislocation.

You may experience pain when attempting to move the foot, swelling, or discoloration. If the pain is not improving within 24-48 hours, this could also be a sign that your injury is more serious.

If you are having a hard time putting any weight on your foot, you should see your primary care doctor as soon as possible to check for serious injury. If your injury is not serious, ice, elevation, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help to reduce the symptoms.

Signs of Infection

If you suspect that your foot injury is infected, it is particularly important to take it seriously because it can worsen quickly. The most common signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pain at the injury site.

You should also watch for any signs of pus or discharge coming from the wound. Furthermore, some people experience fatigue, chills, fever, or an increase in foot pain when touched.

It is essential to monitor for any fever, as this is an indication that the infection is spreading and may be more severe than expected.

Affects Your Walking

If the injury affects your walking in any way, it can be an indicator that your foot injury is serious. It could mean a minor imbalance of bones or muscles, or a more severe injury.

Pay careful attention to the quality of your walking pattern, as changes in your stride, limping, or straining can be signs of a problem. You should also look for sensations of tingling or muscles feeling strained.

Seeking advice from your healthcare professional or primary care clinic located here can help determine the seriousness of your injury.

Numbness in the Foot

If you experience numbness in your foot and it does not go away, it could mean that you have suffered an injury or have an underlying condition that needs attention. If the numbness lingers for more than a few minutes, begins to increase in intensity or radiates up your leg, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis, treatment plan, and recommendations on how to prevent similar injuries. Depending on the source of the numbness, more intensive treatments such as physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary.

How Do I Know if My Foot Injury Is Serious

Get your answers here to the nagging question, “How do I know if my foot injury is serious”. Depending on the type of foot injury, consulting a doctor for a professional opinion on the severity is highly recommended.

With proper medical diagnosis, proper intervention and necessary precautions can be taken for a full and complete recovery. Don’t wait for an injury to worsen – visit your doctor for expert advice today.

Check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.