Does a bone fracture hurt?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Patients with bone fractures will experience pain. This is because local bleeding occurs after the fracture, along with congestion and edema of the soft tissues, which stimulates the surrounding nerves, causing pain. Therefore, it is accurate to say fractures can cause pain. Common pain relief methods require strict rest and protection of the affected area to prevent micro-movements of the fracture ends. If the fracture ends do move, they can stimulate the surrounding nerves, making the pain difficult to alleviate. Additionally, the use of pain relief drugs can help ease the patient's pain. Furthermore, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of the fracture.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can a bone fracture heal by itself?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone is maintained. Symptoms of a bone fissure can include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Therefore, it should be treated like a fracture, for example, by properly immobilizing and resting the area which can promote the healing of the fracture. As long as proper immobilization and rest are ensured, a bone fissure can heal on its own. However, it is crucial to monitor the blood supply around the fracture and the swelling to avoid symptoms of compartment syndrome. It is also important to pay attention to the joints at the distal end of the affected limb to prevent joint stiffness after prolonged immobilization.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Does a bone fracture hurt?

The answer is definitely yes. After a bone fracture, apart from local pain, there can also be soft tissue damage, inflammation, and local swelling, and even functional limitations may occur. That is to say, if the fracture occurs in the limbs, it will affect movement and cause swelling. At this point, it is necessary to take an X-ray. If diagnosed with a fracture, it is necessary to apply a plaster cast for external fixation, in order to avoid aggravating the fracture or causing displacement due to movement or accidents, and even the potential of having to undergo surgery again. Therefore, after a fracture, it is necessary to use a plaster cast and have regular check-ups to monitor the healing of the fracture.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Is soaking feet good for bone fractures?

Bone fissures are actually a type of fracture, characterized by cracks in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. In the early stages of a bone fissure, immobilization is necessary, along with appropriate cold compresses and rest. After the acute phase, warm compresses can be applied, symptomatic treatment is given, and soaking the feet may be helpful to improve peripheral circulation, aiding in the healing of the fracture. However, immobilization should still be maintained, avoiding excessive walking and activities that might worsen the severity of the fissure.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How long does a bone fracture hurt?

Usually, for patients with bone fractures, it takes about one to two weeks of pain. This is because as time goes on, the local area enters the fibrous connection phase, which offers better stability, so the pain gradually subsides. For early-stage pain symptoms, if they are unbearable, one can still choose to treat them with medication. For instance, applying topical ointments that invigorate blood circulation and dissipate stasis, taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, and administering pain relief injections can all alleviate the pain symptoms of patients with bone fractures. Additionally, for patients with fractures, promoting rapid recovery of the fracture is very crucial, and strict rest and protection are key. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can I apply heat to a bone fracture?

Bone fissures clinically are referred to as hairline fractures, which are cracks appearing in the bone cortex. However, the stability of the bone still exists, and conservative treatment can be chosen, utilizing limb supports or plaster for external fixation to facilitate the healing of the fracture. During the acute phase of the bone condition, we do not recommend applying heat, but suggest cold compresses instead, to reduce bleeding and alleviate swelling. After the acute phase, appropriate heat application can be considered to promote circulation around the area, thereby aiding the healing of the fracture fissures and the fracture itself.