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Fracture Care services offered in Burlingame, CA
At Burlingame Orthopedics in Burlingame, California, Richard Han, MD, and the team offer expert fracture care that encourages more efficient healing, restores your bone alignment, and gets you back to full function without delay. This can help prevent complications like muscle atrophy, so don’t wait to seek fracture care at Burlingame Orthopedics if you have a broken bone. Call the office or request an appointment online today.
Fracture Care Q & A
What is a fracture?
A fracture is a broken bone. The degree of the break can vary considerably, from a slight hairline fracture to a major break that sections the bone into many different pieces.
You can fracture any bone in your body, but the most common areas tend to be the collarbone, ankle, and wrist. Fractures can happen during sports, when children play, during motor vehicle accidents, in workplace accidents, or in other accidents.
Am I at risk for a fracture?
If you're an athlete, you may be at risk for a fracture. Athletes, especially those who take part in contact sports, often place a lot of pressure on their bones, and fractures can be the result. Even non-contact sports like running can put considerable extra stress on your bones and potentially lead to fractures.
Another group that may be at risk for fractures is women over age 50. Fractures are prevalent in this group because women have less bone density than men; bone density decreases naturally with age. The less dense your bones are, the weaker and more prone to fracture they are.
Some other risk factors for bone fracture include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Cigarette smoking
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 diabetes
- History of fractures
Some of these risk factors are controllable, so you must take all necessary precautions to avoid fractures. Be sure to use safety equipment when you play sports, get the medical support you need for chronic conditions, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to minimize your chances of fracture in the future.
What can I expect during a fracture care visit?
The specifics of your fracture care appointment depend on the type of fracture, its location, and your symptoms. Often, the Burlingame Orthopedics team recommends immobilizing the fracture to allow it to heal. This may involve a brace, sling, or cast.
Your Burlingame Orthopedics provider may recommend surgery if your fracture isn't likely to heal properly on its own. By setting the bone properly during surgery, you'll have the best chance of full healing and a better chance of avoiding reinjury in the future.
A major part of fracture care and recovery is physical therapy. The team at Burlingame Orthopedics can refer you to a physical therapist who can help you build strength while learning how to use your newly repaired bones safely.
To schedule a fracture care appointment, call Burlingame Orthopedics or request one online today.