If you’ve ever broken a bone, you know that it can be a very traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with the pain of the break itself, but you also have to worry about how long it will take to heal and whether or not there will be any long-term effects.
In this blog post, we will discuss five steps that you should take after breaking a bone. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery!
When you suspect you may have a broken bone, it's important to keep your cool —no matter how much it hurts. Of course, that's easier said than done when you're in pain. But if you can remain calm, it will help you (and the people around you) to better assess the situation and figure out the best course of action. It may even help to prevent further injury.
If you panic, on the other hand, you may make things worse. You might start moving around, which could cause further damage to the bone or other surrounding tissues. Or you might become so agitated that you don't listen to instructions from medical professionals, which could delay your treatment or result in complications.
It's happened to the best of us - we take a spill, hear a crunch and instantly think, "I've broken my bone!" Of course, the next logical step is to high-tail it to the emergency room...right? Maybe not. Before you incur the cost (and stress) of a visit to the ER, it's worth taking a minute to assess the situation.
Check for pain and swelling. If you can move the affected area without too much discomfort, it's likely that you haven't actually broken anything. Also, look for any deformity in the bone —if it appears bent or out of place, that's a good indicator that you need medical attention.
Remember also to consider the circumstances of your fall —if you were moving at a high speed or landed on a hard surface, there's a greater chance that you've suffered a serious injury. Of course, if you're ever in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help. But in many cases, a little self-assessment can go a long way in avoiding an unnecessary trip to the ER.
If you think you might have a broken bone, it's important to take steps to stabilize the injury before heading to the emergency room. This will help to prevent further damage and ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.
There are several ways to stabilize a broken bone, but one of the most effective is by using a splint. Splinting involves immobilizing the injured limb by placing it in a position where it can't move. This can be done by using supplies like sticks, rolled-up magazines, or even belts. A sling can also be made using a blanket or towel.
Once the bone is stabilized, it's time to head to the hospital for x-rays and further treatment.
If you think you may have a broken bone, it's important to seek medical help as soon as possible. This is especially true if the injury is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or deformity. Waiting too long to get treatment could result in further damage or complications.
When you arrive at the hospital, a doctor will assess your injury and order x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Once the break is confirmed, you'll be treated accordingly. In some cases, this may involve simply wearing a splint or cast to allow the bone to heal. In case of severe hand injuries, surgery might be necessary to restore full functionality. If you're seeking specialized care to recover from a hand injury, Apricus Health hand therapists can provide the expert guidance you need to regain your mobility and strength.
After treatment for breaking a bone, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions for recovery. This will help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks or even months.
Broken bones hurt too, so your doctor may prescribe pain medication such as ibuprofen or medical marijuana. To learn more about medical marijuana, its shelf-life, and how you can use it to manage pain, make sure to visit Veriheal.
You'll also likely need to limit your activity during this time to allow the bone to heal properly. In some cases, you may need to use crutches or a cane to avoid putting weight on the broken bone. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help you regain strength and mobility.
After breaking a bone, it's important to take steps to assess and stabilize the injury. Then, seek medical help as soon as possible. Once you've been treated, follow your doctor's instructions for recovery to ensure a smooth and speedy healing process.