Michael Bovee
Treatment of a bone fracture often involves rest, compression, elevation, traction, or manipulation (without artificial support) with an orthopedic surgeon
Most fractures that are mild to moderate will only require rest and pain-relief medication, while major fractures require treatment by an emergency physician, a specialist in orthopedic trauma, or a trauma surgeon.
Mild to moderate traumatic fractures to the bone can heal on its own in most cases. However, when a severe fracture to the bone has occurred, a patient may require surgery to repair the bone. Often, hip fractures are the result of an accident or falls, but bone fractures can also result from a serious illness.
Trauma fractures, as they are known, occur when the bone has been broken and there is a blood clot within the injured area. In order for the bone to heal normally, it must be in good health. Sometimes, an individual will receive antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs prior to receiving this treatment. This will help to reduce swelling and help the body heal itself after the surgery.
It is extremely difficult to treat a fractured bone when the patient's bones are fractured due to a large amount of force, such as during an automobile accident. The bones need the blood circulation, nutrients, and oxygen in order to grow back. The amount of time needed to recover after a bone fracture depends on the severity and location of the bone fracture. Most fractures do not need to be operated on to correct them, since most injuries to the bone can be corrected naturally at home with the proper treatment.
Common causes of bone fractures include: an injury to the head or neck; a blow to the head; a blunt-force trauma; a fall or other injury to the body; a blow to the chest; a repetitive motion such as a tennis stroke; or any injury to the bones of the jawbone, skull, shoulder, or pelvis. Sometimes, bone fractures may occur from infection, as a result of a cold sore, or viral infection, from an overuse of antibiotics or pain medications, or from trauma from a fall or accident. In any case, a doctor should be consulted to determine the best treatment for the injury. to the bone. Treatment options may include a surgery, immobilization, which will keep the bone immobilized, or in some cases, the bone could be re-inserted.
Bone fractures should not be treated by self-treatment
While some people may have an increased tolerance level for pain, these individuals should not use ice or compression stockings to relieve pain. Self-treatment for fractures, especially if they are minor, is not recommended unless other medical treatment options have failed, such as surgery.
While the pain associated with minor bone fractures usually will subside in three to four days, the pain caused by major fractures may last for weeks or even months. When pain is persistently experienced, it is advisable to consult with a physician. The severity of the pain is often determined by the type of fracture that has occurred.
Bone fractures often require treatment in a hospital setting, including X-rays, imaging studies, an x-ray that shows the extent of the injury, and then, with the help of an osteopath, treating the damaged bone to reduce the possibility of further damage. Sometimes, additional measures will be necessary if the fracture is severe. Once the bone has healed, it is necessary to have it repaired surgically, which may include wearing a splint to hold the fractured bone in place or inserting pins or screws to hold the bone in place.
While there are numerous fractures that may be treated at home, a doctor's diagnosis is required to determine if one of these fractures can be treated at home, as well as if another fracture might be causing the fractures. A fracture will not heal by itself. It needs to be repaired by a doctor, using various methods, including rest, immobilization, and surgery.
Often, the first step is to determine if a fracture is caused by a fracture to one of the bones that make up the skull. There may be more than one fracture, but there is usually one that can be treated by the first fracture. In this situation, the doctor will order X-rays to confirm the fractures, and if necessary, perform imaging studies to look for the source of the fractures.
The diagnosis of a fracture can be complicated because many bones in the body are similar, so that it is important to do a physical examination of all the bones and organs of the body. Blood tests may be performed, as well, to look for possible underlying health problems. If a bone has been injured, a blood test may be performed to determine the type of bone, which determines how it was damaged and whether it can be repaired.