Bone Injuries

What Are They?

Bone injuries refer to any type of damage or trauma to a bone.

Summary

Bone injuries can lead to reduced mobility, impaired balance, increased compensations, and increased recurrent injury.

Our treatment techniques can be combined within a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient.

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, correct muscular imbalances, and improve overall function.

Treatment

Our therapists use several techniques to treat bone injuries including:

Manual therapy: use of manual techniques, such as joint mobilization and manipulation to improve joint function and reduce stiffness associated with the bone injury.
Exercise therapy: use of exercises to improve range of motion, strength, stability, and coordination around the injured area.
Education: education regarding proper posture, body mechanics, and movements to reduce the risk of further joint damage and improve joint function.
Modalities: use of modalities, such as acupuncture, heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to manage pain and swelling associated with the bone injury.
Return to regular activities: we work with our patients to help them return to their normal activities, including work, sports, and other physical activities.
Assistive devices: recommendations regarding the use and proper fitment of assistive devices, such as braces or crutches, to reduce the stress on the affected bone.
Prevention: education regarding how to prevent future injuries and how to maintain proper posture and body mechanics to reduce the risk of further injury.

Examples Of Bone Injuries

1. Fractures

A break in the continuity of a bone, which can be simple (involving only a single break) or complex (involving multiple breaks).

2. Dislocations

A separation of the bones that form a joint, causing the joint to become unstable.

3. Stress Fractures

Small cracks in the bone caused by repeated stress or overuse.

4. Osteoporotic Fractures

A type of fracture that occurs due to weak and brittle bones, often due to osteoporosis.

5. Avulsion Fractures

A type of fracture that occurs when a ligament or tendon pulls a piece of bone away from the rest of the bone.

6. Compression Fractures

A type of fracture that occurs due to direct pressure on the bone, often seen in conditions like osteoporosis or spinal stenosis.

7. Bone Bruise

An injury to the bone where some of the inner material (trabeculae) is injured but the structure is still intact.

Signs & Symptoms

1. Pain

Sharp or dull pain that may be constant or intermittent, and may worsen with movement.

2. Swelling and Stiffness

Soon after the injury, swelling may occur. As a result, the affected area or nearby joint may feel stiff and difficult to move. The muscles around the area may be affected causing weakness.

3. Bruising

Discoloration or bruising may occur around the affected area or beneath it.

4. Deformity

Depending on the severity of the fracture, the affected area may look misshapen or twisted.

5. Loss of Function

Difficulty performing activities of daily living or participating in sports or other physical activities.

6. Audible Crack or Snap

During a fracture, a snapping or grinding sensation may be felt, and there may have been an audible “crack” or “snap.”

causes

1. Trauma

High-impact injuries: high velocity collisions or falls can result in fractures.

Some injuries that may occur alongside bone-related injuries are sprains, strains, tears, and joint dysfunction.

Repetitive stress: repeated high demand movements can damage and wear out bones. This can result in stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone, making the bone more brittle and more likely to be injured with enough force exertion.

3. Degenerative Conditions

Osteoarthritis: excessive joint wear and tear resulting in cartilage degeneration, As cartilage wears out, there is increased bone on bone contact every time the joint is used, further damaging the bone.