Dr. Srinivas

A bone fracture is often abbreviated as FX or # and is a painful medical condition that causes damage in the continuity of the bone. A dictionary meaning of fracture is a separation of an object or a material into two or more pieces under the action of stress.

A bone fracture could be due to a high force impact or stress, an injury from trauma or sports or even certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, bone cancer or osteogenesis imperfecta.

However, a significant number of fractures occur due to high force impact or stress. A fracture could be simple where the skin is not exposed or compound where skin gets exposed. A fracture could be complete where the bone breaks up in two pieces or could be incomplete with a crack in the bone.

Treatment of bone fracture depends on the type of fracture. In a large number of cases, the bone is aligned through a cast or splint. However, a very crucial part in the recovery of the treatment is physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a comprehensive care plan designed for the patient for optimal and complete recovery. Yet most patients do not understand its effectiveness. In layman's terms physiotherapy is understood as few exercises or messages designed to aid the patient's treatment. However, Physiotherapy not only aids the recovery, it effectively promotes healing, reduces pain and stiffness and gradually helps the patient to return back to his/her normal daily activities of life.

Physiotherapy is a complete preventive and rehabilitative approach to treatment and must begin as early as possible and continue post fracture. Physiotherapy has been proven to be effective in preventing post fracture stiffness and weakness that occurs in adjacent joints and muscles generally during the first six weeks of the healing process. If the X-ray shows poor healing, physiotherapy is a medium used to help the patient regain muscle strength and speed up recovery.

Irregular movements can lead the bones to further damage the surrounding tissues and muscles. Damage may also lead to infection, especially in compound fractures where the skin is exposed. Thus, physiotherapy regulates the movements, supports healing and prevents further damage. Physiotherapy not only involves messages or exercises. It includes a range of interventions designed for prevention and rehabilitation of patients. These interventions include pain management, education and awareness on safety and prevention of injury, strength building and flexibility exercises and in some cases taping, bracing and electrotherapy.

To add to its benefits, physiotherapy procedures are also completely safe and are supported by medical science. These procedures also do not have any side effects. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Physiotherapist.

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that is characterized by pain in the muscles and the joints. This disorder leads to the development of multiple tender points on the body, wherein, a very small amount of pressure applied might result in pain. In some cases, social isolation and depression may occur as a result of this disorder.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
1. You will have difficulties in sleeping at night
2. You may experience mental problems and cognitive dysfunction
3. Light and noise sensitivity
4. Irritable bowel syndrome
5. A numb feeling on your hands and feet
6. Chronic headaches
7. You may experience painful periods
8. Restless legs syndrome
9. You may be depressed

The muscles of the body tend to feel overworked, even though you may not have exercised. You may also experience deep throbbing pain and burning sensation in the muscles. In addition, it may cause symptoms similar to osteoarthritis and bursitis. You are at a higher risk of being affected by fibromyalgia if you have a family history of this particular disease.

Some other causes of this disease are:
1. Certain infections and illness may lead to fibromyalgia
2. Car accidents
3. Any repetitive motion

The treatments for this disorder include:

1. Sleep management: Optimal levels of sleep at night help in improving symptoms of fibromyalgia. Don’t drink coffee or consume spicy foods before going to bed as these have the ability to interfere with your sleep cycles.
2. Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to manage the pain. Taking anti-depressants may be necessary if you suffer from depression.
3. Other therapies: Massage treatments help in easing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. You may continue with your exercise regimen after consulting the doctor. Relaxation techniques like mediation may help improving your mental health. You may also be asked to include various food supplements to make sure your body receives the necessary nutrients in the right amounts. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Orthopaedics.