• March 17, 2023

4 Things You Should Know About Fracture Aftercare

Many patients go to an orthopedic hospital when requiring surgery and care for fractured and broken bones. While hospitals strive to provide high-quality treatment and care, focusing on thorough medical and post-op care, it’s important to also focus on fracture aftercare at home.

Here are some of the most important factors to think about when healing from a fracture:

1. Your Pain Should Subside Over the Next Few Weeks

Whether you’ve had surgical or nonsurgical fracture repair, you may notice an immediate improvement in the pain and swelling after your procedure. With a nonsurgical repair, the pain will subside and improve significantly within about two to three weeks, while it takes around six weeks after a surgical repair. It’s important that you take it easy and let your body heal, allowing the pain and inflammation to alleviate slowly.

2. Ice Packs Help Soothe the Pain and Reduce Swelling

An ice pack is a great tool to use during the fracture aftercare phase. Get reusable ice packs if possible, allowing you to freeze them, use them, reuse them, and then stash them away without making a mess. An ice pack can help reduce swelling and inflammation, soothing the injured area and surrounding regions, but be sure not to apply it directly to your skin or bandages.

 A man with a fractured arm holds his cast

3. Take the Prescribed Medications Safely and Routinely as Recommended

While broken bones and fractures will heal in their own time and the pain will begin subsiding on its own, you do need to take medications to aid in the process. Your doctor may prescribe different types of medication, including painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics, that you need to take routinely, especially if you’re post-op. Be vigilant about taking medications during fracture aftercare to ensure they’re effective.

4. Slowly Add in the Recommended Movements and Exercises

As part of your recovery process, you will also need to introduce slow, gradual, progressive movements and exercises for the injured bone or joint. It’s important that you do not rush through this as it may aggravate the fracture, which is why you should work closely with your doctor when adding movement and strengthening exercises.

If you’re looking for leading orthopedic care and want the expertise of a skilled orthopedic surgeon in Houston, visit TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital. Our orthopedic specialists are some of the most experienced and highly qualified professionals in the area, providing top-notch care. If you’re looking for an orthopedic hospital in Houston, visit our website to find the right specialist near you.

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