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Did you know that as a child you had a 10% risk of fracture? When you are over 50 years old, your risk increases to 25% to 50%. Fractures are very common and can happen to anyone at any age. Fractures are most often caused by injury from sports, falls, car accidents or other physical activity.
There are several health conditions that can make your bones more susceptible to fractures. These health conditions include osteoporosis, brittle bone disease (imperfect osteogenesis), overactive parathyroid glands and some cancers.
You can tell if you have a fracture if you feel pain, numbness, or swelling in the area. Usually the pain will worsen with movement, and the injured area will turn blue. In more serious cases, bone can protrude through the skin and cause heavy bleeding.
First aid for broken bones
It's important that you know what to do when you or a loved one breaks their leg at home. When there is an accident that requires medical attention, call the nearest emergency room. While you are waiting for medical help, here are some simple steps that can be put into practice:
Step 1.
Don't move unless necessary. To prevent further injury, stabilize the injured area while remaining still. Do not move the victim if he injures his back or neck. To treat the wound area, you can make a splint by folding a piece of cardboard or magazine and gently placing it under the limb. Then tie it carefully using strips of cloth.
Step 2
If bleeding occurs, stop it by wrapping the wound area tightly with a bandage or sterile cloth. Apply pressure to the wound.
Step 3
If the injured person shows signs of shock, cover him or her with a blanket while the legs are elevated about 30 cm. Signs of shock include dizziness, weakness, pale and sweaty skin, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate.
Step 4
To help reduce swelling, you can apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area. However, don't put ice directly on the skin. First wrap it in a towel or cloth.
Step 5
Wait for medical help or rush to hospital.
How do doctors treat fractures?
Before treatment, the doctor will confirm the fracture by performing the following tests:
- Physical examination
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI scan.
Your doctor will make sure the bones line up properly before placing the cast on them. Sometimes surgery is needed to place a metal rod or plate to hold the pieces of bone together. Depending on your age and health condition, your bones may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
Self-care tips after a fracture
After surgery, the doctor or nurse will check for signs of infection or pale skin. You may be given pain relievers to reduce pain and swelling.
Until the cast is removed, it's best to rest and avoid lifting weights or driving. Stay away from heat and prevent the cast from getting wet.
If you must wear a crutch, you must learn how to use your crutches properly. If you feel itching from the cast, don't stick anything between the cast and any limbs. Instead, blow cold air into the cast to relieve the itching.
If you don't know how to treat a fracture, you can call a local emergency number and ask for directions. Remember to stay calm and not stress. It's a good idea to keep the injured person conscious and distract themselves from the pain by constantly talking to them.
