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Fractures are never fun, but there are a lot of ways for patients to heal. Fracture care is never a one size fits all solution, instead it is composed of various areas. Much like a puzzle, putting together the pieces in just the right way ensures the best quality of care from Houston sports medicine along with a healing process suited to vent the most difficult of cases.
First Aid
Wounds from a fracture need to be treated first and, much like its name suggests, first aid does that. If there is bleeding, it should be stopped by using pressure with a cloth or bandage of some kind. Don’t try to put the bone back in if it is outside the body; don’t reposition the bone to fix the break, this should be done by a medical professional. A faint feeling may mean the patient may be going into shock-in this case, raise the feet higher than the head. When there is no wound, but the area is swelling try using an ice pack; it will help the pain and swelling. Always wrap the ice pack before applying it against the skin. Ice packs without wraps can burn the skin or freeze it beyond acceptable levels.
Casts, Braces, Splints, Wrapping
Depending on the severity of the broken bone and where it is located will determine what type of treatment is needed. Casts and braces can be used for legs and arms while a splint or wrapping is more suited for fingers or toes. With any, the procedures usually follow a set course of treatment including:
- First, the fracture is repositioned into alignment. The step can be extremely painful but often necessary for the best chances at a full recovery.
- Then, it is immobilized to allow healing to begin; this immobilization is done with either a cast, brace or splint.
Plates, Screws, Pins, Rods
For more serious injuries, like an open fracture, surgery may be required to repair the damage. Before the surgery, traction might be used to bring stability to the area. Traction usually involves weights and pulleys that accomplish realignment through tension in selected sections of the body. Plates, screws, pins and rods are used internally to repair the bone while screws, pins and rods are placed on the outside. Bone grafting may be needed depending on the type of break; this option often goes along with the various appliances if all else fails.
Stress Fractures Have Different Courses Of Treatment
RICE, which is rest, ice, compression, elevation, offers a good place to start. It is important to not overly stress the area affected and stay off the fracture as much as possible. A doctor may suggest special footwear like a boot or brace to help keep from overdoing it if activity is a part of the patient’s lifestyle. Crutches are also a possibility for certain cases. Doctors may use a cast to help stabilize and promote healing with the final resort being surgery.
Medication
There are prescriptions and over the counter medications to help manage the pain and inflammation from a fracture. Over the counter help can be found with acetaminophen, ibuprofen or NSAIDs; these will help with mild to moderate pain management. If the pain is more severe, medication that is stronger can be prescribed. The doctor will decide what kind and how long to take it.
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