It is very common to experience pain in an area that was injured in the past, even years after the event. This is known as ‘phantom limb pain’ and it is caused by the perception that the limb that was previously injured is still present.
This can occur after the limb has been removed, such as with amputees, or in cases where a limb injury has healed.
The exact mechanisms behind this type of pain are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to sensory input. Basically, nerve pathways between the injured area and the brain can remain intact even after the initial injury has healed.
These pathways, which normally transmit sensations throughout our body, are then able to send signals to the brain, causing it to register pain in the area of the injury. In addition, this type of pain can also be affected by response to emotional stress, as the hippocampus and amygdala (areas of the brain associated with emotion) may cause an increase in the sensory signals being sent to the brain, resulting in a higher perception of pain in the injured area.
Finally, it is important to note that phantom limb pain is not an indication of further injury. Rather, it is the result of the injury that has already occurred and the body’s response to this. If you are experience this type of pain, it is important to speak to your doctor about potential treatment options such as physiotherapy, medications, or psychological interventions.
Can a broken bone hurt years later?
Yes, broken bones can cause pain and discomfort even years later. It’s not uncommon for residual pain to occur years after an injury, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Many people experience chronic pain in the area of the fracture, even if the break has healed.
This is more likely to occur if the fracture was severe, multiple bones were broken, or the fracture was in a weight-bearing joint, such as the hip or knee. Additionally, fractures can weaken bones in the same area, making it more likely for a patient to suffer from repeated fractures.
Poor initial healing from a fracture can also lead to arthritis and other long-term complications. Therefore, some people feel a degree of pain or discomfort for years after breaking a bone.
Why does a bone I broke years ago hurt?
A bone that has been broken years ago may still hurt depending on the fracture, how it healed and the age of the person when it happened.
When a bone breaks, it can cause damage to the surrounding connective tissues, nerves and muscles. While the bone will usually heal back together with the help of a cast or splint, the surrounding tissues may still have been damaged which can cause a lingering pain.
In addition, if the bone healed in an abnormal or misaligned position, this can cause the bone to be weak and more prone to injury in the future, potentially resulting in pain.
As a person ages, the risk for bone fractures may increase due to age-related factors, such as weakened bones and osteoporosis. These factors may result in a weakened area of the bone which can make it more susceptible to further fractures or pain even after being broken years ago.
Overall, if a bone that was broken years ago still causes pain, it is likely due to the type of fracture, abnormal healing and age-related factors. It is best to visit a doctor to get a complete knowledge of why the broken bone intermittent pain is happening and to determine the best course forward in alleviating the discomfort.
Can an old fracture cause problems years later?
Yes, an old fracture can potentially cause problems years later. Even in cases where the person is seemingly healed, their fracture site may still be weaker and more prone to re-injury than other parts of the body.
Depending on the fracture severity and position, it can cause complications such as arthritis, disc degeneration, chronic pain, and instability. Furthermore, if the fracture was improperly treated or if the person did not get proper rehabilitative care, it can potentially lead to future medical problems.
It is therefore important that any serious fractures that occur receive proper medical attention and rehabilitation, so as to minimize the chances of developing long-term problems due to the injury.
Do Broken bones have long-term effects?
Yes, broken bones can have long-term effects. Depending on the severity of the break, these effects can vary from minor to quite serious. Some possible long-term effects after a broken bone include chronic pain, limited mobility, decreased range of motion, and arthritis.
In some cases, surgery may be required to properly fix the broken bone, and this can cause further long-term effects. Complications from surgery can include swelling, infection, and even nerve damage.
People who have suffered long-term effects from a broken bone may find they are unable to perform certain activities as they did before the fracture, or they may find that certain bodily functions or ranges of motion have been compromised.
It is important to take sufficient time to heal after a serious fracture and to receive physical rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery and minimize long-term effects.
Is bone fracture a permanent disability?
Bone fracture, also known as a broken bone, is an interruption of the normal continuity of the bone. Depending on the severity of the fracture and the medical intervention, it can be a permanent disability.
Depending on the location of the fracture, the bone can heal, but with a weakened strength or the person can lose movement of the limb. Treatment for a fracture depends on the severity and the treatment options include drugs, surgery, and physical therapy.
Surgery is often necessary when the fracture is complex or involves more than one bone. Surgery may also be required to insert screws, plates, and other devices so that the fragments of the fracture can be held in a proper alignment.
The goal is for the fracture to heal and to restore as much strength and movement in the limb as possible.
In some cases, the fracture may be so severe that it does not heal completely and never regains full strength and functionality or the fracture disrupts the peripheral nerves or muscles, leading to permanent paralysis or loss of mobility and strength.
In such cases the fracture may be considered a permanent disability. The disability that results from a fracture can range from complete paralysis and loss of movement in an affected limb to minor pain and diminished function of the affected area.
It is important to receive proper medical assistance after suffering a fracture to ensure proper healing of the area and regain full strength and movement as much as possible.
Can broken bones lead to chronic pain?
Yes, broken bones can lead to chronic pain in some cases. This is especially true for people who have suffered fractures or breaks that affect joints, tendons or ligaments. When a person breaks or fractures a bone, they can often experience pain and swelling during the healing process.
If the fracture is severe enough, or if the surrounding soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments are damaged, the person may continue to experience pain even after the bone has healed. The eventual outcome depends on how severe the injury was and how well the person rehabilitation and follows their doctor’s instructions for recovery.
In some cases, the person may develop chronic pain, which is defined as pain that lasts beyond the healing process.
What is considered an old fracture?
An old fracture is a fracture that has already healed, typically meaning that it occurred at least six weeks in the past. Old fractures are typically identified on imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, which show the fracture in the healed position.
Radiologists can usually identify an old fracture by the presence of callus formation, remodeling of the bone, or ossification of the tissues around the fracture site. Older fractures can also be identified if an individual has a history of a past fracture.
Old fractures are a common finding and are often an incidental finding during imaging studies of other body parts. It is important to identify old fractures as they can be associated with secondary conditions such as avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and chronic pain.
Treatment will depend on the age of the fracture and the symptoms or secondary conditions that are associated with it.
What are the late complications following fracture?
The late complications following a fracture can depend on the type of fracture and the treatment received. Generally, the most common complication is known as non-union, which is when the bones fail to heal in the expected time frame and remain separated.
Other late complications that can follow a fracture include persistent pain, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, infection, implant failure, implant loosening, nerve injury, and avascular necrosis.
Persistent pain is a common problem that can result, even when the bones have healed correctly and the patient appeared to recover well. This can be due to the injury itself and the healing process, as well as scarring of the tissues around the fracture site.
It is important to talk to your doctor so they can properly assess your pain and come up with a treatment plan.
Joint stiffness is another complication that can follow a fracture, due to a lack of movement in the affected joint. Range of motion exercises may be helpful in regaining movement and helping with joint stiffness.
Muscle weakness around the affected area is another common complication after a fracture. This happens as the muscles around the fracture site become deconditioned from lack of use and can cause difficulties with activities of daily living.
Working with a physical therapist can help to regain strength in these muscles.
Infection is a major concern with any fracture, as the open wound makes it susceptible to bacteria entering and causing an infection. This is why it is important to practice good wound care; using clean bandages, keeping the area dry and clean, and taking any antibiotics as prescribed.
Implant failure or loosening can be a problem if hardware, such as plates or screws, were used to treat the fracture. This can be due to the hardware being placed incorrectly, the bone not healing properly, or displacement of the hardware due to too much movement of the affected area.
Nerve damage can occur from any type of trauma to the area and can result in numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the affected area. It is important to speak with a doctor about any changes in sensation around the affected sites.
The last complication, avascular necrosis (AVN) is caused by a decrease in the blood supply to the bone, which can be a consequence of a fracture. This can lead to collapse of the bone and further weaken the area.
If AVN becomes a problem, orthopedic surgery may be the only option.
Overall, it is important to be aware of potential late complications that can follow a fracture and speak with a doctor if any changes arise in your body after a fracture.
Can old bone fractures cause arthritis?
Yes, old bone fractures can cause arthritis. When a bone is fractured, the broken bone fragments put pressure on the surrounding tissue, which can cause damage to the cartilage, ligaments, and joints.
Over time, this tissue damage can lead to arthritis. It is possible for an old bone fracture to cause arthritis even many years later. Additionally, any kind of damage to the joint, including that from a fracture, can lead to inflammation, which can cause the cartilage to deteriorate, eventually leading to arthritis.
It is important to get medical attention for any type of fracture as soon as possible to have the best chance at preventing any long-term problems from developing.
Can an old compression fracture get worse?
Yes, an old compression fracture can get worse. Compression fractures occur when the vertebrae collapse due to excessive pressure, typically caused by osteoporosis but sometimes as a result of injury or trauma.
If it is an old compression fracture, meaning it has been present for some time, there is potential for it to worsen. Depending on factors like the severity of the fracture, the amount of damage to the vertebrae, and the age of the person, there is a possibility of the fracture deepening to the extent that it causes spinal instability.
This instability can lead to chronic back pain and further breakdown of the affected area. Treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, and pain medications may be used to mitigate symptoms and slow down the worsening of the fracture.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, may help to prevent worsening of the fracture.
Does a broken leg ever fully heal?
Yes, a broken leg can fully heal if the fracture is properly treated. In most cases, a broken leg requires a cast to help keep the bone in place while it heals. The healing process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months and depends on the severity of the fracture.
After the bone has healed and the cast is removed, physical therapy may be needed to ease the transition back to normal activities. Exercises such as stretching and using weight machines help to strengthen the muscles around the bone, and usually after 8-12 weeks of physical therapy the affected limb should be back to normal.
Of course, with any medical condition, the individual must follow their doctor’s orders to ensure the best outcome, and in some serious cases, surgery may be required for a full recovery.
Can a broken leg cause permanent damage?
Yes, a broken leg can potentially cause permanent damage. It depends on the severity of the break and the nature of the injury. A displaced fracture, a complex fracture, or a break in a weight-bearing bone can all cause permanent damage, including weakened bones, joint instability, chronic pain, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion.
Additionally, if the broken bone does not heal properly or is not managed with physical therapy, it can result in the bone staying misaligned or becoming arthritic. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and follow all of your doctor’s orders during the healing process to help minimize any long-term effects.
Can a completely broken bone heal itself?
Unfortunately, most broken bones cannot heal themselves without assistance from a medical professional. While the body is designed to repair itself, bones require more assistance for them to become strong and healthy again.
Even in cases of simple stress fractures, where the bones appear to be intact, the body cannot provide enough force to heal the brokenness effectively by itself.
When a bone is completely broken or fractured, the pieces will not stay in place on their own and can shift or move in the wrong direction during healing. This is why medical intervention is needed to keep the pieces in proper alignment so they can begin the process of healing in a healthy way.
A medical professional will use a splint, cast, or surgery to keep the bone in the right place, so the body can work to naturally repair the damage. Physical therapy may also be used to help supplement and speed up the healing process.
What are the long term effects of a broken tibia and fibula?
Long term effects of a broken tibia and fibula can be quite serious and life-altering. Even if the bones are properly treated at the time of injury with surgery, casting, and/or special bracing, there can still be long-term effects that need to be managed.
The most common long-term effect of a broken tibia and fibula is a loss of motion and strength in the lower leg and foot. This occurs due to the injury itself, but also as a result of prolonged immobilization and/or surgery.
When the leg is in a cast or brace, the muscles and joints of the leg can become weakened or stiffened, resulting in decreased function. In some cases, physical therapy and rehabilitative exercises may help restore strength and motion to the leg, but the effects may still be impaired or limited compared to a healthy, uninjured leg.
The other main long-term effect of a broken tibia and fibula is the development of arthritis in the knee joint. Injuries to the lower leg can affect the biomechanics of the knee, leading to wear-and-tear on the joint surfaces over time.
This can lead to the development of chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced levels of function. Treatment for this type of arthritis typically consists of oral medications, physical therapy exercises, and potentially surgical interventions.
In more serious cases, a patient may also suffer from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following a tibia-fibula fracture. CRPS is a chronic pain syndrome that can affect the entire limb and may become resistant to treatments.
The exact cause of CRPS is still unknown so treatments are typically focused on managing the symptoms.
Overall, the long-term effects of a broken tibia and fibula can range from mild to severe and should be monitored closely by your doctor or physical therapist to determine the best treatment options.