If you have had a fracture recently, probably you might be eager to get back to your normal life. Do not worry too much about recovering from the fracture, most fractures get better in 6 to 12 weeks after treatment. Probably, you need to spend many weeks at home, and it takes some time to get around. However, by doing some activities, you can stay healthy and get back to your normal activities quickly.
After a fracture, you should learn some tips to move here and there. For instance, if you had an elbow fracture, you should not move your hand or lift weights for a long time. In case of a broken wrist, you may not be able to get dressed on your own right away. Your recovery will be faster and better if you follow the instructions of your doctor and stay as active.
You need to be careful while doing your daily activities for a while. According to Dr Vasudeva Juvvadi, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sunshine Hospitals, Hyderabad, staying active physically and mentally will help you a lot, and help rebuild strength and can protect bones from weakening.
Know More About Fractures & Its Treatment
Make Your Home A Better Place
After fixing your fracture, probably you need to stay weeks to months in the home based on the severity of the fracture. If the fracture is associated with your legs, you might walk using a cane, walker, or a sling now. Tell your family or friends to make the home safer for moving here and there, say top occupational therapists.
Here’s what they can do to help you prevent a trip or fall:
- Rearrange The Furniture. Clear the way you walk from each room. If you are on the top floor, move your bed to down floors until you heal and able to walk comfortably.
- Clear out the obstacles: Clear the clothes, books, or any other obstacles on your way that can trip you up.
- Clothing: Be cautious while wearing clothes, avoid tight clothing.
- Add lighting: Make your way bright, put nightlights all the way if you walk after dark.
- Careful while walking on stairs: Take the assistance of your friends or family while walking up and down the stairs. Better not climb stairs or heights until you recover completely.
- Keep a phone nearby. When you are alone, always keep your mobile phone where you can reach it easily, so that you can call for help immediately if necessary.
How to recover faster from fractures?
Recovery from a fracture depends on the type, location, & severity of the fracture. For instance, fracture to the thigh bone (femur) takes more time to recover than a complex broken fibula in the lower leg. Read on and learn more about the tips to make your recovery smooth from a fractured leg. Age of a person also affects the recovery process; older adults don’t heal as fast as young people.
Discuss The Recovery Strategies Keenly The Doctor
The goals of recovery include managing the symptoms like pain and regaining the lost functionality of the leg. This can be challenging & might take a long time, depending on the type fracture. But in some cases, recovery and leg function is incredibly fast. Talk to the doctor at the very beginning after treatment about the best strategies for faster and safer recovery tips.
Manage Your Symptoms
Common symptoms of a fractured leg will be mild or intense pain, bruising and swelling. These symptoms can be managed by following a popular theory PRICE – protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take over-the-counter pain medication, as suggested by your doctor only. Some complex fractures might require drug injections and other measures. Avoid self-medication and consult a doctor as soon as you feel discomfort.
Bear Weight On Your Fractured Leg As Directed
You will be suggested not to put weight on your fractured leg for several weeks to months until the bone heals. Severe fractures may not allow you to walk for weeks or months. In cases of mild to moderate fractures, you can walk around with the help of properly-fitted crutches or a walker. But in case of simple leg fractures, you can move around right away. Even you are ready to walk, lean proper weight-bearing techniques and try not to overload the broken bone.
But in case of simple leg fractures, you can move around right away. Stressing too much can cause problems with the movement of your broken bone. If your leg hurts or swell, take rest. Return to daily activities only after suggested by the doctor.
Stay Physically Active
Your orthopaedic surgeon suggests therapeutic exercises or physical therapy for faster healing. This includes stretchings strengthening and range of motion exercises. In the case of simple fractures, you will be suggested a set of exercises that you can do at home. Whereas in other cases, you should work with a physical therapist. It might be painful at first while doing exercises, but by managing the pain, you can achieve your recovery goals.
Watch Out For Complications
Occasionally leg fractures can lead to possible complications during the recovery process. Meet the doctor right away if you experience fever, different colour at the site of fracture, numbness, tingling sensation, swelling or pain than expected. These might be the signs of complication. You may be at risk of arthritis problem that can occur long-term after a fracture. Sometimes it may lead to severe infections due to improper hygiene. In worst cases, your limbs need to be amputated. So don’t neglect the symptoms that are not subsiding or returning even after your leg heals.
Prevent Future Injuries
Once your leg is broken, it will be more susceptible for future injuries. Your orthopaedic doctor or physical therapist can help you to prevent those future injuries. This includes improving your muscle strength around the broken bone by exercises daily. Be cautious about your exercise routine; often change the set of exercises to reduce stress on bones. Taking sufficient calcium and vitamin D is essential for improving your bone strength. You can also take supplements if necessary as advised by the doctor.
After a fracture, safety measures play a key role in recovery and also for the future. For instance, follow safety measure like wearing protective sports gear if you are a sportsperson. For more information about fractures treatment and preventive tips, consult Dr Vasudeva Juvvadi, one of the best fractures treatment specialists in Hyderabad at Sunshine Hospitals.
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