Contents
Break in the continuity of the bones of the lower limb in most cases results in placing the leg in a plaster cast. Stiffening and stabilization is necessary to be used for a period of usually one to two months. The relatively long time the leg is left in the cast is strictly dependent on the length of the bone regeneration process, which takes up to eight weeks on average. Placing the leg in a cast contributes to considerable discomfort when moving. How to make it easier to move around with a leg in a cast? What medications should I take then?
Leg in plaster – first aid in the event of a fracture of the lower limb
Lower limb fractures require very quick intervention and first aid consisting in immobilization of two adjacent joints. If we do not have such a possibility, the attachment of the damaged limb to the healthy leg will also be a good stabilization. Fracture of the bones in the lower limbs is manifested by severe pain, difficulty in moving the leg, increasing swelling in the area of the damaged area, and unnatural positioning of the leg. If the leg is bent in a pathological position, then of course you should not try to change its position, much less adjust the limb. It may cause rupture of the joints in the vicinity and damage to the blood vessels. If the lower limb has been fractured open, care should be taken to immobilize and stabilize it with extreme care, so as not to cause additional displacement of bone fragments. Keep in mind that an open fracture does not necessarily mean that the skin is broken – instead, a small wound may develop. The use of gauze in this situation will be the best solution. In both cases – both closed and open fractures – it is necessary to quickly transport the injured person to a doctor. They will do the appropriate examinations and will likely decide to put the leg in a cast.
Plaster leg – anticoagulants
By placing the leg in plaster, it is possible to prevent further and undesirable bone displacement. Sometimes fracture of the lower limb requires adjustment or even a surgical operation by a surgeon. However, what to do when the lower limb is stabilized by a plaster cast? Keep in mind that when placing either limb in a cast, your doctor will prescribe you to use anticoagulant injections. This is usually low molecular weight heparin. Injections are made in the abdomen. Here, the injection technique is important. First, let the air bubble out of the syringe carefully, and second – insert the needle into the skin fold. The needle should be inserted as far as it will go, perpendicular to the stomach. This is a subcutaneous administration. The drug exerts its therapeutic effect after about 3 hours. Anticoagulants should not be administered intramuscularly, e.g. due to the risk of hematomas.
Plaster leg and movement
It is generally recommended to keep the leg elevated as often as possible while the leg is in plaster. However, lying down throughout the recovery period is also not advisable – it can cause a significant weakening of the strength of the muscles, which are not working as they should, due to the dressing. Therefore, after the lower limb has healed and fused together, the leg that was previously put in a plaster cast should undergo physiotherapeutic treatments to regain normal muscle tone. If you decide to undergo rehabilitation financed by the National Health Fund, you should think about it a bit earlier, as there are usually long waiting lines. When the leg is in plaster, orthopedic crutches are very helpful in moving, thanks to which you can transfer the weight of the body to a healthy limb. At this point, remember not to put too much strain on the healthy leg, as this could result in later injuries, e.g. pain resulting from overloading the largest joint of the human body – the knee joint.
Leg in plaster – rehabilitation after fracture
As already mentioned, the fracture of the lower limb and the associated placing of the leg in a cast is associated with the need for subsequent rehabilitation. Omitting and resigning from this stage of treatment is often associated with the risk of incomplete recovery and, for example, limping, limiting the mobility of the joint or experiencing chronic pain. Performed physiotherapeutic procedures should primarily include massages that will improve blood flow in the limb, as well as carefully and regularly performed exercises.