Fractures are 
caused by traumatic events or while conducting normal activities in patients with low bone density, a condition known as osteoporosis. Fracture, refers to any kind of crack or break in the bone and can vary from a small crack to breakage in the bone, leading to complete separation.
Caring for Fractures
- Symptoms of a fracture: Fractures cause pain, inflammation, and bruising in the affected area. The pain amplifies significantly when pressure is applied to the area. Your doctor on a simple physical examination can confirm if you have suffered or not. Further, a CT scan or an X-ray can be performed to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the severity of the fracture.
- Treatment of fractures: Treatment is specified depending on the severity of the fracture. Some treatments can include ice-pack compressions, proper rest, and taking anti-inflammatory medicines for not so serious fractures. While treatments for moderate fractures include applying a cast or a brace, and in more serious cases surgery and sutures maybe required. Fracture treatments are conducted to repair the cracked or the broken bone, hence exercises, casts, braces, and surgeries are directed to align the broken bones to heal them, so that they can start functioning normally in the future.
- Fracture after-care: In the cases of moderate to serious fractures where braces or casts were put into place or where surgery was required, it is important to follow the after-care procedure to a tee, as prescribed by the doctor. It is normal for the joints and the limbs to feel stiff and numb after the cast is released. It generally takes 3-4 weeks to get back to normal, during which it is advisable to start using the affected limbs and joints a little for carrying out daily activities, including eating, washing, and dressing for the upper limbs, and walking using crutches for the lower limbs. Light exercising and physiotherapy can help accelerate the healing process. Under no circumstances should one put excess pressure on the affected limb, as that might cause an impediment to its healing.
Want Help With Fracture Care? Contact The Orthopedic Center of Tulsa.
If you would like to know more about trauma services and fracture after care, The Orthopaedic Center of Tulsa. You may also call us at 918-582-6800 or visit our South Tulsa, Midtown Tulsa offices, or the Cushing – Cimarron Healthcare Center.