I guess you remember those painful times when you had a fractured arm or a leg during your childhood and the way it made you suffer. I’m sure most of you can recall the moment. Surely, it is not life taking in most cases but they can lead to chronic pain later on in life if not taken care of properly.
What is a fracture?
Basically, a fracture can be a broken or a cracked bone and can generally occur when pressure is applied to a bone. Fracture is mostly accompanied by a severe pain, and you may also feel difficulty in moving around. Swelling, bruising, bleeding, deformity, and tenderness on applying pressure are also some of the symptoms of a fractured bone.
First-aid for Fracture
When it comes to taking early measures for fractures, there are different approach for different kinds and locations of fractures. However, almost all fractures require medical attention. If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or injury, call 911 or your local emergency number. Until the help arrives, you can use these tips:
Stop any bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
Immobilize the injured area: Don’t try to realign the bone or push a bone that’s sticking out back in. If you’ve been trained in how to splint and professional help isn’t readily available, apply a splint to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort.
Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain: Don’t apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.
Treat for shock: If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.
Important Note: You shouldn’t massage the affected area, straighten the broken bone, move without support to broken bone, move joints above / below the fracture, and give oral liquids or food.
How to live with a fracture?
It’s obvious that most of the patients with a fracture tend to believe that resting or lying on the couch or bed will accelerate the healing process. However, that is a misconception, it’s just that you shouldn’t stress the adjacent bones to the fractured one by moving much. However, you will need to be active to run your other bodily functions smoothly. It’s best you consult your doctor and ask about certain works that you can do.
It’s absolutely going to be quite a different kind of life for a while, but you should learn to live with it. Build a habit of being active. It will not only heal the fracture but also give you a healthy habit.
Doesn’t matter if you are using a cane, walker or a sling, everything is going to be a burden. It’s always better to walk slowly.
If you think you might tip over something and fall, try and get those items removed from the house. You might also want to fix loose rugs, secure large area rugs with double-stick tape around all edges.
Being healthy is the most important thing when you break any bones and also when you are sick. Therefore, eating healthy food and being active is a must in these cases. Moreover, if you find cooking hard with the fractured bone, better ask your relative or someone to do the shopping and also cook for a while. Sometimes you have to take favors, it’s wise.
