INJURIES: Foot Dislocation, Talus

Injury and displacement of the talus so it no longer touches adjoining bones. Fractures and ligament sprains frequently accompany this dislocation.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

Talus and adjacent foot bones (tibia, navicular, calcaneus).
Ligaments that hold foot bones together.
Soft tissue surrounding the dislocation site, including periosteum (covering to bone), nerves, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Causes

Direct or indirect blow to the foot and ankle.
End result of a severe foot sprain.
Congenital abnormality, such as abnormal arches or shallow or malformed joint surfaces

Excruciating pain in the foot at the time of injury.
Loss of function in the foot and ankle, and severe pain when attempting to move them.
Visible deformity if the dislocated bones have locked in the dislocated position. Bones may spontaneously reposition themselves and leave no deformity, but damage is the same.
Tenderness over the dislocation.
Swelling and bruising at the injury site.
Numbness or paralysis below the dislocation from pressure on, pinching or cutting of blood vessels or nerves.

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

If a cast is not necessary:

Use ice soaks 3 or 4 times a day. Fill a bucket with ice water, and soak the injured area 20 minutes at a time.
After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use hot baths, showers,compresses, heat lamps, heating pads, heat ointments and liniments, or whirlpools.
Wrap the foot and ankle with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decreasing swelling.

If a cast is necessary:

Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under general anesthesia more hazardous.
During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

For participation in contact sports,activities involving running and jumping ,protect vulnerable joints.Wear protective devices such as high-top athletic shoes and use tape.
Avoid irregular surfaces for running, fast walking, and track and field events
Warm up adequately before physical activity.
Build your overall strength and muscle tone with a long-term conditioning program
Avoid contact sports if treatment does not restore a strong, stable foot and ankle.