Bone Fracture Healing After an Accident – FAQ
Bone fractures are a very likely occurrence when enduring a car accident, but what are you supposed to do when it happens? Your friends at Impact Medical Miami want you to know how you can treat bone fractures as well as what to expect during and after the healing process.
How do bone fractures happen?
When a vehicle takes a major blow, danger can quite literally come from all sides. Various parts of the car can bend, break, and end up pressing your body in a way that can cause your bones to break or splinter. The force of your own body being jerked around in various directions can also be enough for your bones to bend in unnatural ways and snap.
What are the signs of having a bone fracture?
Aside from the obvious visual cues such as a bone sticking out of your body, there are other signs that you may be suffering from a bone fracture. These symptoms include:
- Extreme pain to applying weight or pressure on the affected area
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness
- Discolored or bruised skin
- Deformities
How long does it take for bone fractures to heal?
On average, bone fractures can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to heal completely. Taking regular physical therapy sessions can help expedite the process and keep your strength from fully depleting.
What are the healing stages of a bone fracture?
The three known phases of the healing process are the inflammatory, reparative, and remodeling stages. In the inflammatory stage, blood clots form around the area of the bone fracture and the body releases healing chemicals in response. Then, the reparative phase begins by creating a thick callus surrounding the ends of the bone. It can take a few weeks for the soft callus to harden. Lastly, the remodeling phase is when the healed fractures and the newly formed callus adjust to your daily movements and shape themselves accordingly.
How do your bones heal from a fracture?
Despite how hopeless a bone fracture injury may seem, the human body is capable of miraculous things. Fractures are able to heal from the bone parts being placed in their original positions for a prolonged period of time without shifting out of place. This is why it’s important to not push yourself during the healing process for fear of moving the bones out of alignment and extending the time needed to complete the process.
Are there any home remedies to speeding up the healing process of a bone fracture?
While it’s absolutely necessary to seek medical attention to heal your injuries, there are some things that you can do at home to help speed up the process, particularly in your diet. Calcium and vitamin D do more than help your bones grow, they can also help your bones heal. Fitting green vegetables, fish, eggs, and dairy into your meals will give your body the nutrients it needs to persevere.
Can you still experience symptoms after fully healing from a bone fracture?
Even after your bones are fully healed, your body may feel weak from the weeks of bed rest. All the movements that you previously took for granted such as walking, lifting, and turning could now take a toll on your body and physical strength.
What is the best way to regain your strength after enduring a bone fracture?
Regaining the muscle that was lost is possible through physical therapy where you’ll be gently guided through stretches and light exercises. After pushing through regular sessions, you’ll be back to your normal self in no time!
If you have endured a bone fracture and are looking to take your recovery to the next step, call Impact Medical Miami at 786-789-3171 to schedule your physical therapy appointment today!