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Bony crack
Is soaking feet good for bone fractures?
Bone fissures are actually a type of fracture, characterized by cracks in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. In the early stages of a bone fissure, immobilization is necessary, along with appropriate cold compresses and rest. After the acute phase, warm compresses can be applied, symptomatic treatment is given, and soaking the feet may be helpful to improve peripheral circulation, aiding in the healing of the fracture. However, immobilization should still be maintained, avoiding excessive walking and activities that might worsen the severity of the fissure.
Symptoms of bone fracture
Bone fracture, as the name suggests, is a type of fracture characterized by a crack in the bone. Since it is a fracture, it shares all the common characteristics of fractures. Firstly, there is pain. The pain at the site of the bone fracture is very evident. Secondly, there is swelling. Local swelling should also be very apparent. Although it might be less severe than general displaced fractures, it is more pronounced than the swelling from soft tissue contusions. Thirdly, there is limited functionality. After a bone fracture, due to severe pain, sometimes, as the continuity of the bone is interrupted, the lever action of the bone may be reduced or lost, hence, the patient's limb movement will be restricted. Additionally, fractures have two characteristic complications: abnormal movement, and bone crepitus or bone friction sensation. Another possible sign is deformity. However, because patients with bone cracks often do not have noticeable displacement, deformity is not significant. However, during a physical examination of the patient, bone crepitus or bone friction sensation might be detectable. Yet, due to the lack of significant displacement, it is not necessary to forcefully elicit these signs. In cases where there is evident pain, swelling, and restricted activity, bone fracture should be suspected and it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital for radiographic confirmation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
How to treat a fracture?
Patients with bone fractures, due to the force applied causing partial fractures in the bone, do not necessarily represent a complete break and won’t exhibit noticeable symptoms of displacement or misalignment. Generally, patients with bone fractures only require a plaster cast for immobilization, typically for about four weeks. After a month, you can visit the hospital to get an X-ray to check for osseous union at the fracture ends. If the fracture ends have achieved osseous union, then normal activities and weight-bearing walking can be resumed. Thus, for bone fractures, simply applying a plaster cast for immobilization for four weeks is sufficient.
Can I apply heat to a bone fracture?
Bone fissures clinically are referred to as hairline fractures, which are cracks appearing in the bone cortex. However, the stability of the bone still exists, and conservative treatment can be chosen, utilizing limb supports or plaster for external fixation to facilitate the healing of the fracture. During the acute phase of the bone condition, we do not recommend applying heat, but suggest cold compresses instead, to reduce bleeding and alleviate swelling. After the acute phase, appropriate heat application can be considered to promote circulation around the area, thereby aiding the healing of the fracture fissures and the fracture itself.
What should not be eaten with a bone fracture?
Patients with bone fractures should avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, as well as high-fat, high-calorie foods like fatty meats, cream, barbecue, and fried foods. They should also avoid high-sugar foods like various sweet treats with high sugar content, and overly salty foods, as these can be detrimental to the healing of fractures. Additionally, it is advised that patients with bone fractures should not smoke or drink alcohol. Following a fracture, it is beneficial to include more high-quality protein and vitamin-rich foods in their diet, such as milk, eggs, beans, chicken, fish, various fresh vegetables, and fruits, as these foods are favorable for the recovery of bone fractures.
Does a bone fracture hurt?
Patients with bone fractures will experience pain. This is because local bleeding occurs after the fracture, along with congestion and edema of the soft tissues, which stimulates the surrounding nerves, causing pain. Therefore, it is accurate to say fractures can cause pain. Common pain relief methods require strict rest and protection of the affected area to prevent micro-movements of the fracture ends. If the fracture ends do move, they can stimulate the surrounding nerves, making the pain difficult to alleviate. Additionally, the use of pain relief drugs can help ease the patient's pain. Furthermore, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of the fracture.