Can I wear a brace instead of a cast?

Braces come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used immediately following an injury or toward the end of healing, normally following removal of another type of cast.

Is a brace as good as a cast?

Using a cast is not more effective than a brace for treating broken ankles, according to University of Warwick researchers – a conclusion that could hasten the decline of the tradition of signing a cast.

Can you use a brace for a fracture?

A cast brace, also known as a fracture brace, is used to further the healing process after the initial molded cast is removed. Cast braces can also be utilized when a fracture is slow to heal.

Can you heal without a cast?

Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn't work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.

Is there an alternative to a plaster cast?

Fibreglass is a synthetic material that is a lighter alternative to plaster casts for treating fractures. It can be waterproof or non-waterproof, depending on the type of lining used underneath the fibreglass material. Like plaster of Paris, fibreglass material hardens when reacted with water.

I wish I could just wear this brace rather than a cast?

What can you use instead of a cast?

Splints, also known as half-casts, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases. Ready-made or off-the-shelf splints are available in many different sizes and shapes.

What are alternatives to a cast?

Braces, orthotics, or splints are acceptable and effective alternatives to traditional cast immobilization for some pediatric fractures, specifically for fractures of the forearm, tibia, and foot/ankle (Table 2).

Can a bone heal in 2 weeks?

How Long Does a Fracture Take to Heal? Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.

Does a hairline fracture need a cast?

Hairline Wrist Fracture Cast or Splint

Immobilization may require a custom splint or a cast. For workers or athletes who need to continue their activity while healing, an ActivArmor cast may be an option.

What happens if broken bone goes untreated?

Delayed Union. When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. In the former case, the bone doesn't heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.

What is the difference between a brace and a cast?

"Functional braces can be removed to allow early movement and for patients to look after their skin and basic hygiene," she noted. By contrast, casts are rigid and can cause stiff joints and weakened muscles.

Is a fracture worse than break?

Some people assume that fractured bones are more serious than broken bones, while others assume it's the other way around. But the truth is that these terms are used interchangeably, and they have the same meaning to medical professionals.

What does a brace do for a broken leg?

The brace promotes fracture healing by compressing the soft tissue in the leg to limit its motion. It is imperative that the straps and plastic shell stay tight over the tibia (shin bone) to allow for proper healing. The Fracture Brace should be treated like a cast, meaning it should be worn full-time.

Is a bone completely healed when a cast comes off?

During this “remodeling”, the body can straighten the fractured bone by laying new bone on the inside edge, and taking away bone on the outside of the angled area. In young children, bones can remodel fairly large angles, healing to appear completely normal within one to two years.

Can you use a brace for a broken ankle?

Ankle Brace – Once you are allowed to place weight on the ankle joint, an ankle brace can be used to help facilitate the rehabilitation process. One of the best ankle braces for a broken ankle in our collection of supports is the Aircast Air-Stirrup Ankle Brace.

Can I get a boot instead of a cast?

For all patients with ankle fracture, immobilisation is a critical part of treatment. Short-leg walking boots (WBs) have been reported to be an effective alternative to plaster casts (PCs) that could shorten this postoperative recuperative period.

Can a hairline fracture heal in 2 weeks?

Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it's important to modify your activities during that time.

How do you know if it's a sprain or fracture?

A sprain may occur silently, or in severe cases there may be a popping sound. With a fracture, you might hear a crack. Is your ankle misshapen? While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly “off,” it's most likely because a bone is broken.

How do you tell if a bone is fractured or sprained?

If you can walk with soreness, it is unlikely that it is broken. Is there significant swelling? If the injured area experiences immediate and severe swelling, that could be a sign of a broken bone or fracture. However, if the swelling is mild and develops gradually, it is likely a sprain or strain.

How do I know my fracture is healing?

Most doctors check x-rays to see if bones are healing. The calcified blood clot around the fractured ends of the bones will show up on x-rays and is called “callus”. Callus is just new bone that has formed and grown across the fracture site. It's another sign that the broken bone is healed.

What slows down bone healing?

Smoking and high glucose levels interfere with bone healing. For all patients with fractured bones, immobilization is a critical part of treatment because any movement of bone fragments slows down the initial healing process.

When does a broken bone stop hurting?

Your Recovery. Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

How do you survive wearing a cast?

Keep the cast clean: Stay away from dirt, sand, and powders, which can make itching or skin irritation worse. If you have a waterproof cast, rinsing the area with clean, cool water after excessive sweating can prevent sores and itchiness from developing. Allow the water to drain once the area is soothed.

Do doctors still use casts?

While fiberglass material is newer, many casts used today are still made from plaster. Plaster casts are most often used when a fracture reduction (repositioning of the bone) is performed.

How long can you keep a temporary cast on?

They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks. Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery.