Understanding Navicular and Cuboid Fractures: The Risk of Compartment Syndrome
A 26-year-old female, weighing 58 kg, has a medical history that includes vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) alongside a previously undiagnosed bleeding disorder. Recently, she sustained fractures to her Navicular and Cuboid bones in her left foot due to a crushing incident. After receiving emergency treatment, including the fitting of an air cast, she was referred to an orthopedic specialist to evaluate the necessity of surgical intervention. Since the injury, she has experienced significant swelling in her foot. It has also become unusually cold to the touch, appears pale, and feels numb. She is unable to move her toes or flex any part of her foot, and the pain has been persistently severe, with episodes of intensifying discomfort. Remarkably, there are involuntary twitching and convulsions occurring in her foot, accompanied by excruciating pain rated at 10 out of 10. Given these symptoms, she is concerned about the possibility of developing compartment syndrome as a result of her fractures and is unsure when it would be appropriate to seek urgent medical attention again, whether that means returning to urgent care or the emergency room. This situation raises important questions regarding the implications of such fractures and the threshold for urgent medical evaluation.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 6:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Given your symptoms after the fractures in your foot, there is a significant concern for compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency. Your symptoms—severe pain, coldness of the foot, swelling, numbness, inability to move your toes, and twitching—suggest that there could be increased pressure in the compartments of your leg, potentially putting nerves and blood flow at risk.
Explanation:
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up within a muscle compartment, impairing blood flow and causing tissue damage. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, altered sensation, and decreased movement. In your case, the combination of symptoms such as severe swelling, coldness, and inability to move or feel your foot indicates that immediate medical intervention is crucial.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Urgent Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, you should return to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait or delay, as compartment syndrome can lead to serious complications if not addressed quickly.
-
Do Not Apply Heat or Ice: Avoid placing heat or ice on your foot, as these might complicate the assessment.
-
Elevate Your Foot: If comfortable, elevate your foot to help manage swelling as you prepare to seek medical help.
-
Communicate Clearly About Your Symptoms: Inform the medical staff about your medical history, including your Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and bleeding disorder, as this information is crucial for their assessment and treatment plan.
It’s essential to act quickly in this situation. Your well-being is a priority, and urgent evaluation is necessary to prevent complications. Please prioritize seeking care right away.
Related Questions
Experiencing Medical Adhesive for the First Time
I apologize for the awkwardness of this message, as I’m typing with my non-dominant hand. I'm a young woman, and an incident occurred while I was drinking. To keep it brief, I managed to accidentally slice the tip of my thumb off about two hours ago. Thankfully, it wasn’t an extensive injury, but enough to cause bleeding that lasted for roughly 30 minutes, even with pressure applied and my hand elevated. (For context, the cut extends a few millimeters deep, penetrating beyond just the surface layer of skin.) Following the accident, I visited the hospital where they applied medical glue, wrapped it up, and discharged me. As I was leaving, I began experiencing some pain, which persists. Upon returning home, I noticed some blood on the gauze covering the injury, which appeared roughly an hour after I got back. Is this typical? The hospital did not provide any pain relief, which I’m not overly concerned about since it is only my finger, but my tendency to be a bit of a hypochondriac is making me anxious. This is my first experience with such an injury. What’s the recommended method for cleaning it once I change the dressing? Thanks in advance!
Seeking Guidance on Long-Term Shoulder Muscle Loss After Dislocation
I am a 25-year-old male, and five years ago, I experienced a dislocation of my left shoulder. While the joint has healed well and I have regained a good range of motion, the muscle in my shoulder has not recovered. There is a noticeable difference in muscle mass when compared to my right shoulder. Additionally, I have lost sensation in the area where the muscle has atrophied. When I touch that spot, I feel almost nothing at all. I recall being informed that sensation might return within six months to two years, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. In the gym, I've also realized that my left shoulder functions improperly during workouts. While performing chest and shoulder exercises, it seems as though my triceps compensate excessively, rather than the shoulder muscle engaging as it should. This leads to a very frustrating and unbalanced training experience. At this juncture, I’m concerned that the issue may stem from lasting nerve damage caused by the dislocation. I’m curious whether it’s still feasible to rebuild the muscle or regain sensation after such a lengthy period, or if this condition is likely permanent. Have others found themselves in similar situations years later, and did they manage to make any progress or uncover the root cause of their issues? I’m not seeking a diagnosis; I simply wish to understand if the muscle damage is irreversible or if there remains a possible pathway to recovery. What steps should I consider taking next? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding my situation. Thank you!
Urinary Retention and Lower Back Discomfort
A 38-year-old male weighing 237 pounds has been experiencing urinary issues over the past five days, noting significantly reduced urine output with a very feeble flow—occasionally just a dribble. Yesterday, he began feeling discomfort in his flank region, near where he suspects his kidney is located. Today, that discomfort continued but intensified. He sought help at a prompt care facility where a urinalysis was conducted, revealing no abnormalities. The medical advice he received was to increase his fluid intake. While at the facility, he began to experience severe pain in the lower part of his back, right in the center, making bending a challenge. Currently, he is applying ice to the affected area; however, it's uncomfortable for him to lie down or stand. He wonders if the urinary issues and the back pain are connected and is reluctant to visit the emergency room due to financial concerns. Additionally, he recalls a couple of relevant incidents: last Saturday marked the first time he had gone roller skating in many years, during which he noticed some discomfort in the perineum. He has also been dealing with a cyst in his pubic region for a month, which is gradually improving.
Appropriate Use of Athletic Tape for Swimmers
To provide some background, I’m a 17-year-old female and currently competing in high school swimming while dealing with a knee injury. Essentially, my knee joint is unstable, and it will take several months for recovery. Both knees are affected, and I experience a constant pain level of around 7 out of 10. I've been advised to undergo physical therapy and to utilize athletic tape while swimming during my recovery, along with having to rely on knee braces for long-term support. However, the issue I face is that the tape tends to come off during school hours, and I can’t use my knee brace while I’m in the water. I’m looking for suggestions on how to better secure the tape or if I should consider wrapping it entirely around my knee. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Considering Surgery for a Ganglion Cyst: Is It Justified?
At 32 years old, I've been dealing with a ganglion cyst on my right wrist for nearly nine years, and it shows no signs of disappearing. After consulting with a hand surgeon, I was informed that the cyst is positioned quite deeply. My choices are either to tolerate it or undergo surgical excision. I'm grappling with the decision of whether the surgery is worthwhile. On one side, this condition disrupts my daily life; it leaves me with a sense of wrist weakness. I frequently experience a persistent ache that intensifies after long hours at my desk, while driving, or engaging in exercises such as planks and push-ups. I also feel discomfort from simply holding my phone for an extended period. However, I weigh these inconveniences against the potential complications of surgery, the recovery period, and the possibility of needing time off work. Moreover, there’s the risk of the cyst returning afterward, which adds to my uncertainty. I would greatly appreciate any insights or personal experiences from those who have faced a similar dilemma.