How to exercise for fracture recovery

Written by Zhang Ying Peng
Orthopedics
Updated on January 03, 2025
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After the fracture heals, rehabilitation exercises can reduce pain and shorten the healing time of the fracture. The main rehabilitation training methods include physiotherapy such as hot compresses, massage of the fracture site, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and exercises like muscle training of the fracture site, isometric contraction, isotonic contraction, etc. Once the fracture reaches relative stability, further activities like getting out of bed and non-weight bearing exercises at the fracture site can also help accelerate the healing time.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Post-fracture sequelae

After a fracture, the potential sequelae depend on the location of the fracture and the chosen treatment method. For example, fractures involving joint surfaces can lead to traumatic arthritis after treatment. Similarly, femur fractures can lead to the formation of lower limb thrombosis after surgery and the fracture itself. Some fractures near joints might also affect the range of joint motion after treatment. Therefore, the type of sequelae after treating a fracture depends on both the location of the fracture and the treatment approach chosen.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Fractures are categorized into several types.

In short, fractures can be classified into the following types: First, based on the integrity of the skin and mucous membrane at the fracture site, it can be classified into closed fractures and open fractures. Second, based on the shape and degree of the fracture. It can be categorized into oblique fractures, transverse fractures, spiral fractures, comminuted fractures, greenstick fractures, impacted fractures, compression fractures, and bone injuries. Third, based on the stability of the fracture ends, it can be classified into stable fractures and unstable fractures. Among unstable fractures, these include oblique fractures, spiral fractures, and comminuted fractures. Thus, fracture classification fundamentally falls into these major categories.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Does a fracture hurt?

Fractures refer to the disruption of the continuity and integrity of the bone, which can lead to symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, deformity, and even limited mobility. Therefore, pain is a primary symptom of fractures. Due to the displacement of fracture ends and the irritation of nerves around the periosteum, severe pain can occur. After a fracture, it is important to immobilize the affected area to avoid exacerbating the symptoms during transportation or movement, and immobilization can also help reduce localized pain.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of toe fracture

The symptoms of a toe fracture primarily include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. If there is a noticeable displacement of the fracture ends, a typical deformity can also occur. For the treatment of toe fractures, conservative treatment such as casting or using a brace may be sufficient if it is a simple linear fracture without significant misalignment of the fracture ends. However, if there is substantial shortening, rotation, separation, or if the fracture is comminuted, surgical treatment is required. During surgery, the fracture ends are repositioned through an incision. After repositioning, a Kirschner wire is used to internally fixate the fracture ends, allowing the bone to heal in the proper alignment without leaving any deformity. This describes the surgical treatment method.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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What to eat with a rib fracture

The diet for patients with rib fractures is not much different from that for general fracture patients. It is advisable to eat more high-nutrition, high-protein, low-fat, and easily digestible foods, which can facilitate the healing of fractures. Additionally, consumption of calcium-rich foods, such as eggs, milk, fish, or shrimp shells, can be beneficial. At the same time, taking calcium tablets and vitamin D can also promote the healing of fractures. Furthermore, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a belief in "like cures like," so for rib fractures, consuming ribs, such as pork ribs, could theoretically help in the healing process according to this theory.