Fracture: Symptoms,Treatment, Procedure, Recovery and Side Effects

A fracture is a broken bone and requires immediate medical attention. First of all, stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a sterile bandage or clean piece of cloth. Do not try to realign the displaced bone yourself. Leave it to the professionals. Apply ice packs to relieve the pain and reduce swelling.

Depending upon the type of bone and its damage, there are different types of Fractures, but here are the 4 types of Fractures which quite common amongst Fracture patients:

1. Stable Fracture:

   The damage of the bone affects the bone line up making it out of shape but in its significant place.

2. Compound Fracture:

   In this case, the broken bone gets out of its alignment making an exit from the muscles to the surface of the skin. The bone may not be visible from the wound, but it has made a tear in the skin.

3. Transverse Fracture:

   This type of Fracture does not get displaced from its original site but rather gets horizontally aligned with each other in the same place.

4. Oblique Fracture:

   One of the most dangerous Fractures, this breaks the bone to such an extent that it will lose its stability to be straight and get dislocation at different angles.

The cause of fracture can be injury, trauma or diseases that weaken the bones. If the pain in your affected area increases or goes through loss of functionality, it is a sign of fracture and must be thoroughly looked into. Some fractures can be treated by medications while others may need surgeries and therapies.

The doctor will first make you go through a bone x ray to find out the exact position of the fracture and its severity. You may then, be prescribed with some over the counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. They help in reducing pain and inflammation. Immobilizing is really important to start the process of healing.

The treatment begins with setting a splint or cast to immobilize the affected area. If your bones are displaced, the doctor will need to manipulate and put the pieces back into their proper position before setting a splint or cast. You may need to use crutches or cane to keep weight off the affected area for a few weeks. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to implant internal fixation devices like plates, rods or screw to help bones maintain a proper position while healing.

Keeping the affected area in a splint or cast for a few weeks may cause stiffness in muscles. This can be managed by regular exercises. It may even cause difference in the colour of your skin temporarily.

Go for physio therapy sessions after the cast or splint is removed. These sessions help you in regaining the mobility of your affected areas. Practice the exercises suggested by the therapist on your own as well.

The cast or splint is removed after 3-7 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition. It may take two to three weeks to regain the mobility after it is removed.

One session of consultation with a doctor may cost you between ₹500 - ₹900. The price of x ray is around ₹700 - ₹1500, depending on the area affected. The cost of treatment may come up to ₹3000 - ₹4000.

The results of the treatment are mostly permanent. In some cases, the condition may recur if you face injury in the same area again.

Foods that are beneficial during Fracture treatment are:

• Protein:

  Foods like dairy, nuts, and seeds, animal products can help you boost your protein level and make your bone repair more efficient.

• Calcium:

  One of the key components of bone formation, calcium-rich foods will speed up the recovery process. Apart from dairy products, consumables like broccoli, salmon, kale, turnips, etc are also good sources of calcium.

• Vitamin D:

  Even though vitamin D does not have any direct effect on the overall healing process of bones, they are known to increase the efficacy of blood to carry and supply more calcium to the body. For those who are not able to get Vitamin D from the sun, they can add food items like swordfish, egg yolks, fortified yogurt, and orange juice to maintain their vitamin level.

• Vitamin C:

  Another form of indirect helper, vitamin C boosts the development of collagen in the body which helps you repair your bones faster. Citrus fruits are enriched with vitamin C.

• Iron:

  Blood cells are the regulators of every vitamin and mineral in our body. In some cases of Fracture one may lose blood which can hamper the process of healing. Consumption of iron-rich foods like poultry products, whole-grain bread, dried fruits, and green leafy vegetables can increase the level of healthy blood cells making your body more efficient for the treatment.

There are no alternatives to mend the bones but you can relieve the pain with some home remedies. Take proper rest. Do not exert pressure on the affected areas. Put ice packs 3-4 times a day to reduce inflammation. Take care of your diet. Follow a nutritious and healthy diet so that your body is able to help the bones regain their strength.

Summary: Fracture can be described as a state of bone damage that causes abnormalities in its structure and strength. Its treatment usually involves the repair of the broken bone and the damage caused in the surrounding organs.