If you think you broke a bone, don’t delay getting proper treatment from your orthopedic doctor, as it may lead to severe complications affecting your daily routine. With appropriate treatment, you’ll feel better, avoid complications, and get back to life.
Let’s talk about the best practices for fracture treatment and where you can go in Springfield, MA, for outstanding bone fracture treatment.
What Are Bone Fractures?
A fracture is a break in the hard, calcified skeletal tissue called bone. According to reports, about 2 million Americans suffer from bone fractures each year, and more of them happen to men.
Bone can fracture in various ways in people of all ages. Perhaps you were involved in an MVA or collided with someone during softball practice. Diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and susceptibility to falls, increase the incidence of bone fractures in the age 65 and up age group. Fractures may happen in long, large, and heavy bones, such as the pelvis.
Whatever the cause, bone fractures, though common, are nothing to ignore. Untreated fractures can cause:
- Continued pain and deformity, including joint swelling
- Numbness and tingling
- Bruising
- Poor ability to move and bear weight
- Loss of range of motion
- Blood clots can travel to the heart and lungs
- Infection
If a Bone Fracture Happens to You…
Stabilize the area with the RICE protocol. Rest, ice the area, compress (support) with an ACE bandage and elevate the extremity. Transport to your local hospital ER or orthopedic urgent care center in Massachusetts or Connecticut for an exam and X-ray imaging. As needed, your orthopedic doctor will recommend a plan of treatment based on the nature and severity of your bone fracture, your health, and other important factors.
How Your Orthopedic Specialist Can Help
Fractures fall into three broad categories–closed, open, and compound. With a closed fracture, bone ends remain touching. Most people think of this kind of fracture as a crack. An open fracture means bone ends are not touching, and with a compound fracture, those ends are displaced or out of alignment.
Once your orthopedic specialist determines the nature of your fracture, treatment can proceed. It can involve:
- Stabilization with a traditional or functional (walking) cast–either plaster or fiberglass (known for being lightweight and more comfortable)
- Open reduction (setting the bone ends together and fixing the bone in place with screws, plates, or wires)
- Closed reduction (setting the displaced bones with manual manipulation)
Additionally, your orthopedic specialist may advise:
- Adequate daily hydration
- Acetaminophen as needed for pain
- Dietary supplements, especially calcium and Vitamins D, C, and K (C increases the production of collagen, the main protein in bone)
- Good nutrition, including increased protein intake
- Light aerobic exercise and physical therapy (assistive devices and guided exercises and stretching)
- No smoking or alcohol as both slow down the healing process
Recover Well with Bone Fracture Treatment from Advanced Orthopedics New England
In Vernon, Bloomfield, Enfield, Rocky Hill, CT, and Springfield, MA, our professional team deliver the finest fracture care available. Our physicians are board-certified, fellowship-trained, and highly experienced in bringing people back to full health and function.
If you need help with a broken bone, call us today at (860) 728-6740 or request an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you!
