One of the most amazing things about the human body is its ability to heal itself. When we break a bone, the body immediately starts to repair the damage. But how do you know if it is healing correctly? What are the signs that indicate everything is going as planned? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common symptoms associated with bone healing and what you can do to speed up the process.
What to Expect When a Broken Bone Is Healing
The process of bone healing is a complex and fascinating one. It is amazing how our bodies can repair themselves after an injury. Here’s what to expect when a broken bone is healing.
1. You Have Less Pain and Swelling
After you break a bone, you will likely experience a great deal of pain and swelling. This is normal and is caused by the inflammation of the tissue around the break. As your body starts to heal, the pain and swelling should gradually start to subside. If you are still experiencing a lot of pain and swelling, it could be a sign that your bone is not healing properly.
2. You Can Move Your Joints Near the Break
If you have a broken arm or leg, you will probably be unable to move your joints near the break immediately after the injury occurs. As the bone starts to heal, you should start to regain some range of motion. However, it’s important not to overdo it—too much movement could cause further damage and delay healing.
3. The Bruising Starts to Fade
When you first break a bone, the area around the injury will likely be bruised and swollen. This is caused by bleeding under the skin. The bruising will eventually start to fade as the blood is reabsorbed by your body.
4. You Can Put Weight on the Affected Limb
As the bone starts to heal, you will be able to put weight on it again without causing any pain. You should only do this under the guidance of a physiotherapist or doctor, as too much weight can delay healing.
5. The Wound Has Closed Up
If you had surgery or stitches, then another sign that your broken bone is healing is that the wound will start to close up and heal over. It is important to keep an eye on any wounds, as they can become infected if they are not kept clean and dry.
6. You Will Start to Regain Strength
As your bone starts to knit back together, the surrounding muscles will begin to regain their strength. This may take some time, but you should notice a gradual increase in your strength over time.
7. You Have More Energy
It’s common to feel tired and rundown after sustaining a serious injury like a broken bone because your body is working hard to heal itself. As healing progresses, you should start to feel more like yourself again and have more energy.
8. The Bone Starts to Look Normal Again
If you’ve had an X-ray since sustaining your injury, you may have noticed that the broken bone looks jagged and irregular. As healing occurs, the bone will start to look more normal again on X-rays as new tissue forms around the break.
9. The Cast Starts to Feel Loose
The sensation of a cast that feels loose is a common one experienced by patients during the healing process. It is caused by the natural shrinking that happens as the body heals, and is not indicative of any problem with the cast.
10. You Feel Itching or Tingling Around the Injury
As nerves begin to regenerate, you may feel itching or tingling around the area of the injury. This is caused by new nerve endings growing in the area, and it typically starts a few weeks after the bone has been broken.
How to Aid in the Healing of a Fracture
Although the body is well equipped to handle the healing process on its own, there are certain things that you can do to help or speed up fracture healing, reduce swelling, and restore range of motion.
Get Plenty of Rest
It is important to let your body rest so that it can heal properly. This means avoiding activities that put stress on the injured bone, such as running or jumping. It’s also important to avoid lifting heavy objects, as this can also put stress on the bone and delay healing.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health, but it is especially important when healing from a fracture. A diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals will help to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Foods that are high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, and poultry, are especially important as they help to build and repair tissue.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications following a fracture. This is because smoking decreases blood flow to the bones and inhibits the body's ability to repair itself.
Manage Pain
If you are in pain, over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle, and do not take more medication than recommended.
Cast21 Treats Broken Bones and Beyond
Cast21 is a new medical device company quickly gaining attention for its innovative solutions to some of the most challenging problems faced by patients and physicians alike. Made from a lightweight material that molds to your limb, Cast21 provides support and stability while your bone heals. The open lattice design also allows for breathability, and superior visibility, so you can monitor your injury while it heals.
If you're suffering from a broken bone that won't heal, ask your doctor if Cast21 is right for you. It just might be the solution you've been looking for. If you have any questions or need help finding a provider, contact us today. We'll be happy to assist you in any way we can.
