If you’re suffering from a fracture, it’s not possible to go on with your normal life until your bone recovers completely. You may need to do things differently for a while but all the effort that you put in taking care of your bones will never go to waste. It can take weeks or even months before you can carry on with your life normally.
Recovery from a fracture depends on several factors. The complexity, type, and location of the fracture determine the time it is going to take for the bone to heal completely. For example, a hairline fracture will take less time to recover than a fractured thighbone (femur). Let us share with you a few important tips that will make it easier for you to cope with the problem of a broken bone:
Do Not Sway from the Treatment Plan
During the recovery, you are required to manage your symptoms and get your health back without suffering any further pain. This can take a lot more time than you initially thought. Therefore, it is better to discuss the recovery plan and various treatment options and be aware of the entire process.
In extreme cases, you may never be able to return to your pre-injury body and this should not affect your will to take care of yourself. Have a detailed conversation with your doctor beforehand and talk about the best strategies for your recovery goals and what should be your expectations.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Since your body is on a healing journey, it will require more nutrients than it usually does. Eating right has a lot to do with the pace of your recovery. If you keep your diet unhealthy, there are meager chances that you’ll be back on track any time soon. Your body requires an extra dose of energy and that is only possible through a balanced diet.
You can come in contact with a nutritionist who can devise a diet plan best suited for you according to your needs. Make sure that your diet consists of essential nutrients like iron and potassium, and the intake of alcohol, coffee, and salt is minimum. Quit smoking so that all the vital nutrients reach the damaged bone without any interruption.
Make Adjustments in Your Home
If you have fractured your leg or hip, there are high chances that you are walking with the help of support. In this case, you might not want to use the staircase and move heavy items out of your way. Move to the ground floor and clear all the clutter out of the way to avoid tripping.
Illuminate the house well. Put nightlights at places where you walk after dark. Even if you don’t have a leg injury, you must make certain adjustments within the house to ensure that you can easily carry out the tasks of daily routine. This means that you might have to rearrange the items in the kitchen and adjust your wardrobe to bring convenience in your life.
Opt for Physical Therapy
Your injury doctor is likely to ask you to go for physical therapy or chiropractic care so that the process of healing is facilitated. These therapeutic exercises include a range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises that help your bones to heal. They will bring the body movements back to normal and fasten the healing process.
At first, you will find them to be painful, but gradually, the discomfort will go. However, if the pain persists, you must inform your specialist so that they may change the exercises. You can even consult a pain management specialist who can help you in overcoming the discomfort so that you can drive towards your goal.
Keep an Eye on the Problems
As your bone recovers, you should also be well-aware of the possible complications that may occur. If you experience fever, change of color at the affected area, tingling, numbness, swelling, or severe pain, call your doctor immediately. Ignoring these signs can lead to further complications.
If you are experiencing the symptoms after your leg has healed, you need to consult your doctor so that he can look into the matter. You need to be careful and vigilant when it comes to the condition of your bone because once ignored, the problem may worsen and can cost you your health and well-being.
Be Regular on Medications
Following the prescription is essential to a smooth and healthy recovery. Taking medicines regularly along with observing other recovery measures is very important. You can even ask the doctor for pain relievers so that you can cope with the pain and not let the discomfort take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Another important thing is to inform your doctor about the medicines that you’re already taking or plan to take during recovery. Certain medicines can hinder the recovery process so informing your doctor beforehand can save you from compromising on your recovery and health.
Take Good Care of the Cast
As soon as you get on a cast, you need to give extra attention to its cleanliness and keep a check for unusual signs. If you see a change in color, numbness, or swelling, promptly contact a doctor because that is a sign that the cast is too tight. One of the worst things about casts is itching. Don’t try to scratch by sticking any object inside. Instead, use a hair dryer’s cool setting to relieve yourself from it.
Do not pick or remove any padding from the edge of the cast as this can irritate the skin. If you are facing any problems, let the doctor make the adjustments for you. While you will go on about with your routine tasks, try your best to keep it away from dirt, sand, lotions, or deodorants.
Conclusion
Your recovery is successful if your bone functions like it did before the injury without causing you any pain. While this may not be possible for everyone, you should do your part to the best of your abilities to reach this point. Don’t stress yourself out and just follow your doctor’s instructions religiously.
