When one of the bones in the leg breaks or cracks, the most important thing is to heal the broken limb as soon as possible, for proper healing.
Given the reduced bone density and osteoporosis, elderly people should be especially careful, as fractures occur more easily.
The treatment itself depends on the location and severity of the injury. They are more simply treated with just a plaster cast or a brace, while serious fractures often require surgery to set the broken bones or to install a wire, plate, rod, or screw on the broken bone, in order to maintain the correct position during recovery.
Symptoms include pain that increases with any activity, swelling, tenderness, bruising, obvious deformity or shortening of the injured leg, limited range of motion, or inability to walk. If there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, it can cause later problems, including poor healing.
In elderly people, one of the most common causes of fractures is falls, so they should walk carefully not only outside, but also around the house. Additional risk factors for fracture are reduced bone density, flat feet, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Fractures that extend to the joint itself after a certain number of years can also cause arthritis. If the leg starts to hurt for a long time after the break, an examination by a physiotherapist is mandatory.
Limiting movement is most important for healing a broken bone. For this reason, a longette or cast is worn, and during recovery it is necessary to use crutches or a walking stick, which can last from six to eight weeks, but sometimes longer.
After the cast is removed, patients are usually referred to rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to reduce stiffness and restore mobility to the injured leg.
In order to build strong bones and prevent fractures, you should eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
The recommended amount of calcium for women increases with age, especially with the onset of menopause, Dnevnik reports.
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