How to care for a bone fracture?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 09, 2024
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For patients with bone fractures, it is fortunate if there is no displacement. They must strictly use orthopedic casts or splints for external fixation. This effectively prevents the possibility of displacement at the fracture site and aids in the healing of the fracture. For patients with significant swelling, try to elevate the affected limb to facilitate venous return and reduce swelling. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and drugs that promote fracture healing is appropriate. In terms of diet, nutrition should be enhanced, and spicy and irritating foods should be avoided, as well as smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of fractures.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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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.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How long does a bone fracture need to rest?

A bone fissure is actually a type of bone fracture, which refers to the presence of a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains. Bone fissures also require immobilization and rest to promote healing of the fracture. Generally, healing of a bone fissure takes about 8-12 weeks. However, this can vary based on the specific location of the fracture, the blood supply to the fracture site, and the presence of injuries to other areas, among other factors. Therefore, the typical rest period for a bone fissure is about three months.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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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.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a bone fracture?

Patients with fractures must absolutely avoid activity, as premature movement before callus formation can impede the growth of the fracture and even lead to the possibility of misalignment at the fracture site, which would be problematic. To promote quick recovery from a fracture, it is essential to rigorously use supports, plaster casts, or splints for external fixation. Only after callus formation can the external fixation be removed. Then, heat washing can be used to strengthen joint flexion and extension movements to restore normal joint mobility and, thereby, normal function in the patient.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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What to eat for a bone fracture?

In the early stages of a bone fracture, it is generally necessary to pay strict attention to rest and protection, as gastrointestinal motility can become relatively slow. Therefore, for such patients, it is necessary to consume easily digestible foods early on, including more vegetables and fruits. Once the fracture site becomes more stable during the later stages, it is important to enhance nutrition and actively carry out calcium supplementation. For example, patients can drink pork rib soup or pig trotter soup, and also need to eat items like shrimp shells and lean meat. However, it is crucial to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as well as greasy foods, and to quit smoking and drinking, as these can negatively impact the healing of the fracture. Additionally, for patients with fractures, it is mandatory to strictly ensure rest and protective immobilization.