What’s bone injury?

Bone injuries can occur due to trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. They can significantly impact mobility and quality of life if not properly managed.

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1. Fracture:

• A fracture is a break or crack in a bone, often caused by trauma, falls, or direct blows. Fractures can range from simple hairline fractures to complex breaks that disrupt the bone's integrity.

 

Types of Fractures:

• Closed (Simple) Fracture: The bone breaks but does not puncture the skin.
• Open (Compound) Fracture: The broken bone pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
• Comminuted Fracture: The bone is shattered into several pieces.
• Greenstick Fracture: An incomplete fracture where the bone bends and cracks, common in children.
• Transverse Fracture: A horizontal break across the bone.
• Oblique Fracture: An angled break.
• Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bone often caused by repetitive force or overuse.

 

Symptoms:

• Intense pain at the injury site.
• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
• Deformity or misalignment of the affected area.
• Inability to move or bear weight on the affected limb.

• Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones that become brittle and more prone to fractures. It occurs when bone density decreases due to an imbalance between bone resorption and formation.

 

Causes:

• Aging: Bone density naturally decreases with age.
• Hormonal Changes: Decreased estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of calcium and vitamin D.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of weight-bearing exercise.
• Genetics: Family history of osteoporosis.
• Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids.

 

Symptoms:

• Often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs.
• Loss of height over time.
• Stooped posture (kyphosis).
• Bone fractures from minor falls or injuries.

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3. Bone Spur (Osteophyte)

• Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet each other in the joints. They are commonly associated with osteoarthritis.

 

Causes:

• Joint Damage: Wear and tear from osteoarthritis.
• Aging: Degenerative changes in the joints.
• Trauma: Injury to a joint or tendon.
• Genetics: Familial predisposition to bone spurs.

 

Symptoms:

• Often asymptomatic if small.
• Pain near the affected joint, especially during movement.
• Swelling and tenderness around the joint.
• Reduced range of motion.
• Numbness or tingling if a bone spur presses on nerves.

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How physiotherapy can help from all this conditions?

• Pain Reduction: Techniques like ice therapy and ultrasound reduce pain.
• Improving Mobility: Exercises restore range of motion.
• Strengthening Muscles: Targeted exercises strengthen muscles around the injury.
• Preventing Stiffness: Movement and stretching prevent stiffness.
• Enhancing Healing: Stimulates blood flow to the injured area.
• Education: Guidance on proper movement and avoiding re-injury.