Skip to main content

Signs a Broken Bone Is Not Healing: What to Look Out For?

A broken bone is a common injury that affects people of all ages. While some fractures can heal on their own with adequate rest and care, others may require medical intervention. If you've had a broken bone, it's essential to monitor your recovery process closely. Delayed or incorrect healing can lead to further complications. In this article, we'll discuss the signs a broken bone is not healing and what to do if you experience any of them.


Signs a Broken Bone Is Not Healing:


Prolonged Pain and Discomfort:

If you still experience pain and discomfort in the affected area months after the injury, it could be a sign that the bone is not healing correctly. Persistent pain may indicate that the bone is not fusing together as it should.


Limited Mobility:

Difficulty moving the affected limb could be another indication of a non-healing fracture. If the bone has not mended, it may not be able to support the joint's movement correctly.


Swelling and Inflammation:

Swelling and inflammation are common in the early stages of a fracture, but they should gradually subside as the bone heals. If the swelling persists or returns, it could be an indication that the bone is not healing.


Numbness or Tingling Sensation:

Numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected area may indicate that the bone has not healed correctly, and the nerves around it have been affected. This can lead to further complications and requires medical attention.


Deformity or Visible Changes:

If you notice any deformity or visible changes in the affected limb, such as a bump or a curve, it could be an indication that the bone has not healed correctly. In some cases, a non-healing fracture can result in a permanent deformity.


What to Do If You Experience These Signs?

If you experience any of the above signs a broken bone is not healing, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. This may include imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, or surgery to realign and stabilize the bone.


FAQs:

Q. How long does it take for a broken bone to heal?

A. The healing time for a broken bone varies depending on several factors, including the location and severity of the fracture, your age and overall health, and the treatment method. Typically, a fracture can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks to heal completely.


Q. Can a non-healing fracture be dangerous?

A. Yes, a non-healing fracture can lead to several complications, including chronic pain, nerve damage, and permanent deformity. In severe cases, it may even require amputation.


Q. What can I do to speed up the healing process?

A. Following your doctor's instructions, getting adequate rest and nutrition, and performing gentle exercises as recommended can all help speed up the healing process.


Conclusion:

A broken bone can be a painful and challenging experience, but with proper care and attention, most fractures can heal correctly. If you're experiencing any of the signs a broken bone is not healing, don't ignore them. Seek medical attention promptly to avoid further complications and ensure a swift and successful recovery.

Comments

Popular Posts

Penis Fracture Treatment | Penis Bone Fracture Surgery

The penis does not have any bone. However, it can still have a condition called penis fracture due to uncommon intercourse positions that require sudden thrust or untoward erection that is subjected with brute force. However, there are also cases of penis fracture that can happen due to outdoor activities. One scenario has been documented during a football game when a player suddenly had an erection and accidentally injured that part of the membrane of his penis. Scenarios that are more common include cases of hurried dressing while the penis is erect. Any form of miscalculated step while the penis is erect can lead to penis fractures. During normal circumstances, penis fractures are virtually impossible to happen. However, it has been observed that as the years progress the cases of penis bone fracture has also become frequent. There is no way of telling whether it is due to unconventional ways of masturbating, innovative sexual positions, or having hazardous and busy lifestyle. Types...

Ulnar Styloid Fracture Treatment | Symptoms | Healing Time

There are many bones and other structures that can be found on the wrist region. At the same time, there are other structures that support the wrist for its proper function.  The wrist is the piece of our body that is exceptionally versatile. It enables us to support actions that involve complex movements and it can also stand heavy force that we expect through its help. Because of this, it is not surprising that one can suffer from displaced or undisplaced fracture wrist. Wrist fracture is one of the most common types of bone fracture.  In fact, it is believed to comprise around one-fourth of total incidents of fracture of the limbs. The usual parts of the wrist that suffer from fracture injury are the distal radius and ulnar styloid (more commonly known as the ulna). On the other hand, the carpal parts of the wrist do not suffer much from fracture. There are only rare cases of fracture on the carpal areas. Identifying the right fracture diagnosis and treatment would ensur...

Fibula Fracture Treatment | Fibula Bone Fracture Surgery

A fibula fracture can either be an incomplete of complete break in the two outside bones of the leg which are found between the ankles and the knees. Fibula injuries are common but cases of severe bone displacements are very rare. Most of the fractures on this body part are only characterized as ankle sprains. Fibula injuries can happen in any part of the fibula bone. However, since this bone receives only 17% of the body weight when a person is standing up, the injuries it develop is not as severe compared to other bones that bears a lot of weight. Fibula Fracture Types •    Type A- fibular fracture situated underneath the joints of the ankle •    Type B- fibular fracture that occurs on the same level of the joint but with the  tibiofibular ligaments undamaged •    Type C- fibular fracture that occurs above the level of the joint. This type causes tears and breaks on the neighboring syndesmotic ligaments. Diagnosis Diagnosis for fibula fractures re...