Fractures

All About Shoulder, Wrist, Ankle, and Foot Fractures

A fracture is another name for a break in a bone and can occur in any bone in your body! Most commonly, fractures are sustained in the shoulders, wrists, ankles, and feet. MVPT Physical Therapy can help you regain function after your fracture has healed so you build strength and motion to return to your normal activities. 

The goal of fracture management is to provide a safe position for the bone to heal (typically around 8 weeks) while maintaining a range of motion. As the bone heals, strengthening can begin.

Request an appointment today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you recover from a fracture. We’re here to support you every step of the way! 

Request an Appointment

Request an Appointment Today!

What Is a Shoulder Fracture?

Fractures in the shoulder occur for a variety of reasons, but typically from a fall onto the shoulder itself. Fractures can occur in seniors also due to osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bone).

At times surgery may be needed to hold the bone together with plates or screws. This stabilizes the bone, but does disrupt muscles and leads to more weakness in the shoulder muscles. 

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process to restore a normal range of motion and strength to your shoulder! 

What Is a Wrist Fracture?

Fractures in the wrist and forearm area are common with falls, as the tendency is to protect oneself during the fall. Common fractures occur in the bones of the forearm near the wrist called the radius and ulna. 

Two common fractures in the arm are called Colles’ fracture and Smith’s fracture. Colles’ fractures typically occur from falls onto an outstretched hand and Smith’s fractures occur from falling backward onto an outstretched hand.

Another common fracture of the wrist and hand is the scaphoid fracture, which is a small bone in the hand. The scaphoid bone connects with the radius bone of the forearm. Scaphoid fractures can require more time to heal due to poor circulation to the bone itself.

Wrist fractures are managed medically and depending on the type of fracture and severity, you may be placed into a cast surgically repaired with pins, plates, or screws.

What Are Ankle and Feet Fractures?

There are many bones that can be fractured in the ankle and foot. Typical fractures that occur are to the fibula bone (avulsion fracture), metatarsal bone fractures, and calcaneal fractures. Fractures are typically immobilized with casting or bracing. In severe cases, surgery may be required to align and stabilize the bone with pins or plates.

After being immobile for a period of time whether from casting or surgery, the ankle and foot joints will become quite stiff. This loss of motion in the joint also causes discomfort and results in lost muscle strength in the ankle and foot.

How Physical Therapy Helps Recovery From Fractures 

Healing from a fracture can vary greatly from person to person, but physical therapy is a very important part of rehabilitation. Whether you are a young person or older, we work closely with you and your physician to make sure your fracture is protected while it heals. We then work closely with you to gradually restore your range of motion, relieve pain, soothe aching muscles and improve your strength.

The goal of physical therapy is to return you to normal activities after the normal course of bone healing. MVPT Physical Therapy can prevent long–term damage and address any issues that may be lingering during and after the healing and recovery process.. 

Request an Appointment Today!

If you have sustained a fracture to your shoulder, wrist, ankle, or foot, our physical therapists can help you recover and return to the activities you love most. Your treatment plan will be created according to your needs, and we will work closely with your other medical providers to ensure you receive the care you require. 

Call MVPT Physical Therapy today to learn more about how we can help you recover after a fracture, and to schedule an appointment!