Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

Medical Author:

Samuel M Keim, MD

Coauthor:

Dominic Connolly, MD

Medical Editor:

Brian F Chinnock, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Broken Leg Treatment

Self-Care at Home

If an injury happens and you suspect a break, remember the following:

• Immobilize the leg as much as possible until help arrives.

• Rest. Try to keep from aggravating the injury.

• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a pillowcase or towel to decrease swelling.

• If possible, keep the leg elevated with pillows or cushions to decrease swelling.

• Often with a broken leg, an operation is necessary. For this reason, do not let someone with a broken leg eat or drink anything until seen by the doctor. Always ask the doctor if it would be OK to eat before doing so.