Fracture

Fractures, or broken bones, can occur due to various reasons such as accidents, falls, sports injuries, or underlying medical conditions. They can range from minor hairline fractures to severe breaks that require immediate medical attention. Understanding the symptoms, causes, risks, prevention measures, and treatments associated with fractures is essential for maintaining bone health and facilitating proper recovery.

Symptoms

  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area.
  • Difficulty or inability to move the injured limb or joint.
  • Deformity, such as a visible protrusion or abnormal angle of the bone.
  • Bruising or discoloration.
  • Numbness or tingling sensation.

Causes:

  • Trauma from accidents, falls, or direct blows.
  • Overuse or repetitive stress on the bones, common in athletes.
  • Weakened bones due to osteoporosis, cancer, or other medical conditions.

When to See a Physiotherapist:

  • If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process after a fracture. They can assess the extent of the injury, provide pain management techniques, and develop personalized exercise programs to restore mobility and strength.
  • Additionally, physiotherapists can guide patients on proper movement techniques to prevent further injury during the healing process.

Risks:

  • Delayed healing or non-union of the bone.
  • Malalignment or improper healing leading to chronic pain or disability.
  • Complications such as infection or nerve damage, especially in open fractures where the bone pierces the skin.

How to Prevent:

  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
  • Engage in weight-bearing exercises regularly to strengthen bones and muscles.
  • Wear appropriate protective gear during sports or high-risk activities.
  • Take precautions to prevent falls, especially in older adults, by ensuring proper lighting, removing hazards, and using assistive devices if necessary.

Treatments:

  • Immobilization: Splints, casts, or braces may be used to stabilize the fracture and promote healing.
  • Reduction: In some cases, the fractured bone may need to be realigned manually or surgically to ensure proper healing.
  • Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring mobility, strength, and function after a fracture. This may include exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
  • Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture using pins, plates, or screws.

Fractures require prompt and appropriate management to facilitate optimal recovery and prevent long-term complications. Working closely with healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, can greatly improve outcomes and restore quality of life for individuals affected by fractures.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the rupture, treatment approach, and individual healing capacity. Typically, recovery may take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. However, full return to pre-injury activities may take longer.

Treatment options include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Non-surgical treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or walking boot, followed by physical therapy. Surgical repair may be recommended for younger, active individuals or severe ruptures, involving reattaching the torn tendon ends surgically.

Rehabilitation typically involves a progressive program focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and function of the affected leg. Initially, emphasis may be on protecting the healing tendon, followed by exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and eventually, functional activities such as walking and running.

While it’s not always possible to prevent all injuries, certain measures can reduce the risk of re-injury. These may include following a structured rehabilitation program, gradually returning to physical activities, wearing appropriate footwear, and incorporating exercises to strengthen the calf muscles and improve ankle stability.

Returning to sports or physical activities should be gradual and guided by your healthcare provider or physical therapist. Typically, athletes may start with low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling before progressing to higher-impact sports. The timing of return will depend on factors such as healing progress, strength, flexibility, and functional ability. It’s essential to avoid rushing the return to sports to minimize the risk of re-injury.

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How Fitwell Physiotherapy Can Help?

Dr. Richa’s Fitwell physiotherapy has an extensive team of physiotherapists all within their own specialist areas of physiotherapy. Whatever your condition, we guarantee that we will have the best physiotherapist for you. We assess, diagnose, plan, cure and care for you.

Fitwell Physiotherapy Clinic, Pune provides you best physiotherapy treatment in Kharadi, pune. We also serve Chandan Nagar, Vadgaon Sheri, Keshav Nagar, Wagholi & nearby Areas in Pune. We are experts in treating Neck Pain, Hand Pain, Back Pain, Lower Back Pain, Knee Pain, Stiff Neck, Sciatica, Arthritis, Stroke Paralysis & Post Surgical Rehab.

We provide Specialized physiotherapy treatments in Sports Injuries, Pre and post Surgery, Neurologic, Pediatric, Chronic Pain/Fatigue, Rheumatology, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Ergonomics, Vestibular, Amputees & all sort of Pain treatment and lifestyle conditions.

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