A break or crack in the bones is called a fracture and is usually a result of an injury. An avulsion fracture is a type of fracture where the bone pulls away from the ligament or tendon attached to it. This type of fracture can happen to anybody, but they are more common in children, dancers, and people who play sports. The bones that are more at-risk of avulsion fractures include the hip, elbow, and ankle. Any kind of fracture is critical and requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment of Avulsion Fractures
The usual treatment route for avulsion fractures includes rest, applying ice packs, and exercises to help heal the bone by bringing it back to its place.
Here are the treatments for the areas where avulsion fractures most frequently occur.
Ankle Avulsion Fracture
Rest is the most important when it comes to fracture. Using ice packs reduces swelling in the area of the fracture and helps with pain as well. In this fracture, your doctor may advise you to keep the ankle in a stable position through a cast or boot so that the injury doesn’t get worse.
Moreover, to keep the weight off the ankle, you may need crutches until recovery. After the ankle injury resolves, physical therapy can help you in getting back on your feet. If the bone is too out of place or doesn’t heal by the usual methods, an Orthopedic Surgeon may advise surgery.
Hip Avulsion Fracture
Rest and icing are the way to go in a hip or pelvic avulsion fracture as well. Your doctor may also prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers to get rid of swelling and pain. The key to recovery is not putting any pressure or weight on the hip or pelvis. Crutches can help with that.
Physical therapy can help you strengthen your hips and keep them functioning properly once your fracture has healed. In severe cases, you may need surgery, for which you can consult the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Rawalpindi or near you. The surgery may require screws or pins to keep the hip in its correct location.
Finger Avulsion Fracture
Finger avulsion fracture is known as jersey finger or basketball finger, depending on the cause of the fracture. Jersey’s finger is most common in people who play sports. Finger avulsion fracture can occur if something hard hits the tip of your finger, such as a ball. This fracture can also happen when a player’s fingers get stuck while pulling another player’s jersey.
The treatment for this kind of avulsion fracture requires more care and attention. During this time, it’s essential to keep the finger straight yet functioning, and a hand specialist may help. Depending on the damage, surgery may be necessary for some instances. In some cases, your surgeon may need to stitch your torn tendon together as well.
Preventing Avulsion Fractures
Warming up and stretching before a game can help prevent fractures. If you play sports regularly, use the proper protective gear to prevent any muscle or bone injuries. Don’t ignore any aches or pains you feel during playing sports or exercising. Most importantly, take breaks when necessary and don’t over-exert yourself!
