It is possible that due to the healing process of a fracture, you are experiencing some discomfort or pain. After the fracture has healed, scar tissue is laid down over the fracture line. This scar tissue can tighten and pull on the surrounding tissue, leading to pain.
Additionally, the area around the fracture can be subject to stress and strain, which can cause pain to occur during physical activity. Other potential causes of pain include not adhering to the recommended rehabilitation plan, an infection of the fracture area, malunion (poor bony alignment of a healed fracture), or nonunion (failure of a fracture to heal).
It is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing significant pain in or around where a previous fracture has healed, as it may be a sign of one of these other causes.
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Can a healed fracture still hurt?
Yes, a healed fracture can still hurt. While the fracture itself has healed, the area of the fracture can still be prone to pain and discomfort due to weakened bone, buildup of scar tissue, and changes in the muscle and soft tissue around the area.
Refractures, osteoarthritis in the bone, and even changes in posture can also cause pain in a healed fracture area. In addition, the body may be in a state of compensation after a fracture, causing muscle imbalances that can cause pain in the shoulder, back, neck, elbow and other areas related to the healed fracture.
Seeking treatment from a sports chiropractor, physical therapist and/or orthopedic specialist can help to address any instability in the area, as well as provide exercises and relief techniques to help manage and reduce any ongoing discomfort from the healed fracture.
Why does a healed broken bone still hurt?
Even after a broken bone has healed, an individual may still experience some pain or soreness in the area. This is usually due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the healing process can sometimes take months, and during this time scar tissue can develop which can cause tightness and stiffness in the area.
The new bone may not align perfectly, leading to restricted movement and pain. Secondly, the healing of a broken bone can cause swelling and inflammation, which can produce a feeling of aching or soreness.
Thirdly, the act of breaking a bone can cause trauma to the surrounding muscle tissue, leading to soreness and discomfort. Finally, because of the constant healing process, increased activity or overuse in the area can cause pain and tenderness.
Therefore, after a bone has healed, it is important to still take precautions, such as stretching and warm ups, to help maintain flexibility, range or motion and reduce the risk of soreness and pain.
Can an old fracture cause pain?
Yes, an old fracture can definitely cause pain. Even after the fracture has healed, some individuals may still experience discomfort due to the body compensating for the fracture or the individual moving or performing tasks in a manner that causes irritation to the area of the fracture site.
This can cause increased tension in the area of the fracture which results in pain. Additionally, some individuals may still experience joint stiffness and instability due to scar tissue buildup. When the scar tissue builds up, it can lead to pain and discomfort when engaging in strenuous activities.
It is important to seek medical advice if the pain persists even after the fracture has fully healed. Medical professionals can help identify potential causes of the pain and provide treatment options that can help alleviate the discomfort.
How long does pain last after fracture?
The duration of pain experienced post-fracture varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, mild fractures can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to heal, and more severe fractures (or those involving multiple bones) can take up to 12 weeks or longer to heal.
During these weeks, the amount of pain can wax and wane, with some days feeling better than others. Additionally, the intensity of the pain can also vary and can be managed with the help of pain medications prescribed by the doctor.
Another factor that can affect the duration of pain is the type of fracture. With a “closed fracture,” the broken bone may stay in its original position, healing without requiring surgery and causing less pain.
However, if the broken bone has to be surgically realigned (an “open fracture”), this could lead to ongoing pain and may take longer to heal.
The most important thing to remember is to follow the recovery plan as prescribed by your doctor, which often includes taking pain medications and performing exercises to promote healing. With time and proper care, the pain experienced after a fracture will eventually subside.
Why does my leg hurt where I broke it years ago?
The most likely reason why your leg may be hurting in the spot that you broke years ago is due to scar tissue or adhesions that have developed. Scar tissue is composed of collagen and can form after an injury like a broken bone as a way for the tissue to heal itself and protect the injury from further damage.
Over time, this scar tissue can become hardened, making the area more sensitive and prone to pain. In some cases, the injured tissue has difficulty returning to its original form and may become lumpy or tender.
This condition is known as adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder and can cause pain in the area that was previously injured. In addition, some people may also experience what is known as a “phantom pain,” which is a type of lingering pain that occurs in the area of a previous injury.
This can be caused by the body remembering the injury and developing a protective response that manifests itself in the form of pain in the area that was previously injured.
How long can it take for a broken bone to completely heal?
The amount of time it takes for a broken bone to heal completely depends on several factors including the type of break, the age and health of the individual, and the type of treatment received. Generally, simple fractures can take up to 6-8 weeks to heal while more serious fractures, such as complications resulting in surgery, can require months or even an entire year of recovery.
It is important to note, however, that even after a break has fully healed, the area around it may remain fragile and even more prone to breaks for up to a year. Therefore, it is vital to properly care for the area, follow any advice from medical professionals, and ensure that it is left undisturbed for the necessary time in order for the bone to heal completely.
Do Broken Bones cause problems later in life?
Yes, broken bones can cause problems later in life. Depending on the severity of the injury, there can be lasting effects after a fracture or break. For instance, patients may experience chronic pain, restricted movement, and/or deformity.
Additionally, people with a history of fractures may have weaker and more fragile bones, increasing the chances of future fractures. Although the healing process may take some time, it is important to do all the necessary rehabilitation steps to protect the damaged area from further damage and to help it heal properly.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to fix any damage that could not be repaired naturally. Following up with your doctor, engaging in physical activities such as yoga, and consuming a balanced diet are some of the ways to help ensure optimal healing and prevent future issues.
Do fractures have long-term effects?
Yes, fractures can have long-term effects, particularly if they are not treated properly or if the injury was severe. Even if a fracture is treated successfully, the individual may still experience long-term effects such as chronic pain or reduced mobility.
Moreover, an individual may develop an infection or develop arthritis at the site of the fracture if the injury was severe. Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become brittle and susceptible to fracturing, is also a long-term effect of a fracture.
Additionally, multiple fractures in the same area can increase the risk of a more severe fracture in the future.
Do fractures shorten life expectancy?
No, fractures generally do not shorten life expectancy. While some individuals may have increased risk for complications based on the fracture’s location, the majority of fractures, if properly treated, will not significantly impact life expectancy.
According to the World Health Organization, 90% of all fractures heal within 6–8 weeks with proper treatment.
However, if fracture healing is not managed optimally and infection or chronic pain develops, then the fracture may significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to depression and/or physical disability, which could lead to a shortened life expectancy.
For instance, falls with fractures in older adults lead to increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to their age, pre-existing health conditions, and other factors.
To reduce the risk of fractures, it is important to take measures to prevent falls, engage in regular exercise and ensure proper nutrition. Healthy lifestyle will decrease the risk of fractures and the associated medical complications that can shorten life expectancy.
Do you ever fully recover from a broken bone?
Yes, it is possible to fully recover from a broken bone, but the exact amount of time it takes to do so can vary depending on the severity of the break and the treatment you receive. As soon as the broken bone is properly set and stabilized, the healing process begins and you can start to work on recovering.
Recovery time depends on the type of fracture, size and location, and can range from a few weeks to several months.
In the initial weeks following the injury, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and rest as much as you can to facilitate healing. Your doctor might also advise physical therapy to help improve mobility and strength.
Depending on the location of the broken bone, a doctor might prescribe using a cast or brace to help protect it as it heals.
Additional treatments such as pain medications and antibiotics may also be needed to help overcome the initial pain and avoid further complications, such as infection. Surgery may be needed for severely broken bones, but most bones can heal without it if the fracture is treated properly.
The entire healing process can be a very gradual one and might require patience. As bones heal over time and in response to movement, they become stronger and less prone to breaking in the future. With the right treatment and care you can expect to fully recover and regain function of the broken bone.
What happens if a bone fracture is left untreated?
If a bone fracture is left untreated, it can lead to a variety of potential problems. The fracture may become unstable and lead to a host of complications including limited or painful range of motion, chronic pain and even deformity.
More serious consequences include nerve damage, infection or compartment syndrome, an emergency condition in which swelling and pressure lead to tissue death. The fracture may also not heal correctly, resulting in a nonunion which would be an additional area of concern to manage at a later date.
Treatment is essential to prevent further damage and make sure the fracture heals properly. Treatment typically includes immobilization of the area with external devices such as a splint or cast and sometimes requires surgery to make sure the bone is realigned and fixed into place.
Rehabilitation may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area and to ensure proper healing.
Overall, if a bone fracture is left untreated, the potential problems can be very serious and it is important to get immediate medical attention to ensure that treatment is provided and the fracture can heal correctly.
What is the least serious bone fracture?
The least serious bone fracture is known as a hairline fracture, which is also called a stress fracture. It’s an overuse injury that occurs when there’s too much or repeated stress placed on the bone, causing a small crack or fracture.
It’s the mildest type of fracture and can usually heal on its own with rest and restriction from activities that cause pain. Treatment usually consists of immobilization (immobilizing the bone or joint to give it a chance to heal), physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce any swelling, pain, and inflammation.
In some cases, surgery may be needed if the fracture is severe or multiple fractures are present. Depending on the severity of the fracture, it may take a few weeks or up to a few months to completely heal.
What are the long term effects of fractured vertebrae?
The long-term effects of a fractured vertebrae depend largely on the extent of the injury and whether further damage is done as a result. Some possible effects include chronic pain (especially for non-displaced or incomplete fractures), difficulty with movement due to weakened muscles, and possibly a decrease in mobility, which can lead to a decreased range of motion.
In more serious cases, a fractured vertebrae can lead to nerve damage and spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis. If left untreated, the fractured vertebrae may not heal properly and the person can experience issues such as bone spurs due to extra bone growing, nerve compression due to bone displacement, and other complications.
In some cases, a brace or surgery may be needed to correct the alignment of the vertebrae. In extreme cases, spinal fusion surgery may be required in order to stabilize the spine. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person with a fractured vertebrae can also experience changes in organs, such as difficulty breathing due to pressure on the chest wall, urinary and bowel incontinence, and decreased sensation or movement in the limbs.
