Fracture Treatment

Fractures are breaks or cracks in bones, which can occur when there is excessive pressure on the bone. Fractures can occur in bones of any size, and if the broken bone pierces through the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Too much stress can also cause fractures. A stress fracture‌ arises because of repeated or extended forces on a bone, causing it to weaken until it eventually breaks.

Typically, fractures are caused by high-impact forces or stress brought about by factors such as sports injuries, falls, and car accidents. However, people with conditions like osteoporosis or bone cancer may suffer fractures, even with minor impacts. This article will discuss the most general symptoms and types of fractures, their causes, and treatment options.

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Treatment for Fractures

Non-surgical approaches can be used to treat mild and non-displaced foot and ankle fractures. The RICE protocol, which entails resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected area, is typically a standard first aid procedure in such cases.

Rest: Resting is crucial for faster healing of foot and ankle injuries. Experts recommend staying off the injury and wearing a cast to immobilize the affected area.
Icing: To reduce inflammation and swelling, ice the foot and ankle for 20 minutes, followed by a 40-minute break before repeating.
Compressing: Controlling swelling is vital in treating foot and ankle injuries, and wrapping or compressing the affected area can help achieve this goal.
Elevation: Elevating the foot and ankle slightly above heart level can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

When a fracture is severe, it may need surgery to repair the fracture and address any accompanying damage to surrounding tissues.

At MyoDynamic Health, we recommend a combination of orthotics and physiotherapy as the ideal treatment for fractures. Devices such as orthotics, physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help manage and treat fractures, depending on the type and severity of the fracture and the individual patient's needs. Orthotics, air casts boots or braces, can immobilize the affected area and protect the injured bone from further damage. Chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and ease pain in certain types of fractures. In contrast, physiotherapy can help patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion after a fracture, improving overall function and reducing the risk of future injury.

Orthotics for Fractures

Orthotics are medical devices that can be used to support and improve the function of the feet and ankles. These devices can help manage foot and ankle fractures by providing support, reducing pain, and promoting healing. Besides foot and ankle fractures, orthotics can also help manage conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.

Physiotherapy for fractures

An effective treatment option for fractures often includes physiotherapy. Our physiotherapy treatment has many components, including exercises to improve stability, mobility, and range of motion, manual therapy to ease pain and promote healing, as well as ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound therapy for chronic born fracture pain also boosts blood flow to the affected area, which can help speed up the healing process. Physiotherapy aims to improve function, reduce pain and discomfort, and facilitate a full and speedy recovery.

Symptoms of Fractures Bone

When a bone is fractured, there are several symptoms that may show a break has occurred. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it's essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a broken bone. Some common signs and symptoms of a broken bone include:

Visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint: The affected area may appear deformed or out of if you've broken your bone. For example, a broken arm may look crooked or bent unnaturally.
Swelling, bruising, or bleeding: Swelling and bruising in the affected area is another symptom of a broken bone. Sometimes, there may also be visible bleeding from the affected area.
Intense pain: The presence of pain is a common symptom of a broken bone, and its intensity can vary from mild to severe. The pain can be either constant or occasional.
Numbness and tingling: A broken bone can also cause numbness or tingling in the affected area. It is because the nerves in the site may be damaged or compressed.
Broken skin with bone protruding: A broken bone can sometimes puncture the skin and cause a visible wound.
Restricted movement or the incapacity to move a limb or put any weight on the leg: With a broken bone, the affected limb may be difficult or impossible to move. Sometimes, you may find it challenging to put weight on your injured leg.

Please get medical help immediately if you or a loved one show one or several of these symptoms. A medical practitioner can examine the affected area and identify whether a bone is broken. The common fractures include:

Clavicle Fracture

A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, one of the primary shoulder bones. It is a prevalent fracture, roughly 5% to 10% of all fractures. Typically, clavicle fractures result from falls on the shoulder or an outstretched arm that exerts enough pressure to snap or break the bone. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your arm.

Fractured Ribs

Rib fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the rib cage break or crack. The rib cage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs that connect to the spine in the back and the sternum (breastbone) in the front. Rib fractures can be caused by direct trauma, such as a blow to the chest, or by indirect trauma, such as a forceful twisting motion.

Arm Fracture

An arm fracture, also called a broken arm, occurs when one or more bones in the arm are cracked or broken because of an impact injury, such as a fall or collision. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and deformity.

Wrist Fracture

If you have suffered a wrist fracture, you have likely fractured one of the small (carpal) bones or, more commonly, the larger of the two bones in your forearm, which is called the distal radius. A fracture of this bone usually occurs near its lower end, where it connects to the bones of the hand and thumb. Falls or sports injuries are the most frequent causes of this fracture. Symptoms may include wrist pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Foot Fracture

It is common for the bones in the foot, which include the toes, metatarsals, and ankle bones, to break. A foot fracture occurs when any of the 26 bones in your foot break, and it is commonly observed mainly in the metatarsal bones. These fractures are most commonly caused by falls or sports injuries. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

Knee Fracture

A knee fracture is a rare but severe injury that can occur in the femur, tibia, or patella. Car accidents or high-impact sports injuries most commonly cause knee fractures. Symptoms include pain, difficulty moving the knee, and swelling.

Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are breaks in the upper part of the femur. As we age, our risk of hip fracture increases. This is because our bones weaken with age, primarily because of osteoporosis.

Taking multiple medications, having poor vision, and experiencing balance problems can also make you more prone to falling, which is one of the primary causes of hip fractures. Symptoms of hip fractures may include severe pain in the hip or groin area and the inability to move after falling.

Ankle/Fibula Fracture

The medical community uses the phrase "fibula fracture" to describe a break in the fibula bone. Such fractures can be caused by a forceful impact, such as landing heavily after a high jump or sustaining a hit to the leg's outer aspect. Rolling or spraining an ankle can also put an undue strain on the fibula bone and cause a fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.

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Figuring out the most effective way to treat your bone fracture pain can be a process of trial and error. If you're experiencing persistent pain, consider discussing alternative options like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or customized orthotics with your therapist or healthcare provider. At MyoDynamic Health, we're committed to guiding you through every step of your path to healing from bone fractures. Contact us today to learn more.