Adjusting to life after a broken bone or other injury can be difficult, especially if a serious fracture affects your mobility and daily routine.
To help minimise the disruption to your daily routine and maintain independence while healing, consider the following guide for practical self care and support.
Know your fracture care plan
Depending on the severity of your injury or your personal health circumstances and age, your fracture recovery time can vary greatly. While most broken bones can be healed within 12 weeks, others can take an entire year. Still, with the right fracture care plan you can get back to your usual routine in no time.
Be sure to listen carefully to your health care provider’s instructions. Is there a regimen of vitals you should be taking on a daily basis like your blood pressure or glucose levels? Do you have a set of small exercises to perform daily?
Stick to these guidelines closely and be sure to have proper care support from family or friends to make the most of your time while you heal and promote a faster and safer recovery.
Common types of bone fractures
There are many types of fractures with varying degrees of severity, from simple stable fractures where the bones are barely out of place to a more complex injury like a compound or open fracture.
Some of the most common fractures include:
- Wrist
- Hip
- Leg
- Ankle
- Spinal injuries
- Arm
- Collar bone
Whether your fracture is a result of a serious fall, osteoporosis, or an accident, consider the right mobility aids to help make your healing an easier process.
Mobility aids for leg injuries
Leg and ankle fractures are especially debilitating as they can affect everything from the way you walk, sit, and even lie down.
Mobility aids for walking are especially important to support proper positioning of the injured leg while giving you the balance and back support you need to prevent further strain. These can include everything from walking sticks to tri-walkers and any accessories to help make getting around easier.
Wheelchairs and powerchairs are a great option as well for a healing leg. Be sure to discuss with your doctor first to ensure it’s the safest support while you’re on the mend.
Hip injury support
If you’ve ever broken a hip then you may understand how serious this injury can be.
Why is a hip fracture so dangerous? It’s because the injury seriously debilitates any movement and can cause a number of complications including blood clots, bed sores, infection, and muscle loss.
Ensuring you have the right equipment for rehabilitation is critical. Consider hiring an adjustable bed to help promote better blood flow to the area during your healing time. Riser chairs and recliners are a huge help when trying to carefully rise from a sitting position when movement resumes after the initial healing.
Daily living aids for spinal injuries
Spinal injuries often require longer periods of bed rest, up to weeks at a time depending on the severity. This means that those suffering from a spinal injury need exceptional comfort and support.
Profiling beds are the perfect option if you or a loved one are in need of extensive bed rest while under spinal injury care. They can be easily adjusted to keep muscles from becoming sore or stiff after extensive bedrest.
To transport to and from appointments safely, car hoists are a fantastic option, easily carrying individuals to safely transfer them to and from a car. They are especially ideal for those suffering from spinal fractures, spinal cord injuries, or disabled ones.
Other support aids for upper body
Many upper body injuries like the wrist, arm, and collarbone, require a cast and sling to help the injured bone rest and heal. This can cause practical issues with eating, drinking, and even bathing.
Make use of suitable daily living aids to help you maintain as much independence and as little interruption to your daily routine as possible.
Purchase eating utensils to help you have a stable grip on cutlery and cups one handed, or shower aids to assist in washing and safe movement around your bathroom. These simple but effective gadgets can support you immensely in your fracture care.
Trust Thistle Help with your healing
Purchase your mobility equipment with Thistle Help and get back to living your life. We offer both hiring and repair services for all our mobility equipment to ensure you have the support you need during your recovery time.
Visit our Irvine showroom or call today for more information on our aids in stock. Our friendly and compassionate team are here to help you find the right mobility solutions for you.
Recent Comments