- April 21, 2023
When Old Wounds Bloom
When Old Wounds Bloom
As the seasons change, so too can the experiences of those with old wounds. While the blooming of spring may be a time of renewal for some, for others it can trigger the return of pain from healed fractures and broken bones. This is especially true during the transition from winter to spring, as the weather shifts and our bodies adapt.
Recurring pain in old injuries can affect a patient’s quality of life in substantial ways. Chronic discomfort can lead to depression, for instance, and pain that resurfaces with the seasons can bring with it a whole host of stressors and triggers.
How can the seasons affect your old wounds?
When a bone breaks, the body immediately begins the process of healing. This involves the formation of a blood clot at the site of the fracture, followed by the growth of new bone tissue and the remodeling of existing bone. While the bone may eventually heal to the point where it is fully functional, the healing process can leave behind scar tissue and other changes that may impact how the bone interacts with surrounding tissues.
These changes can lead to pain and discomfort, especially during seasonal shifts. As the weather changes, so can the pressure and humidity in the air. These changes can impact the tissues around the old injury, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. For those with metal plates or other hardware in place to support the healing bone, the changes in temperature and pressure can also impact the metal, leading to discomfort.
- Try not to worry! Adding extra stress to an already demanding situation can aggravate your pain even more.
- Keep a journal. Mark down when your pain is at its worst and when you feel the most relief. The more you know, the more your doctor can help.
- Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about starting a new stretching program or exercise routine, something that focuses attention on your pain areas.
- Warm oil, lotion, or heating pads may help. Be sure to talk to your pain specialist before you try anything new, however.
- Practice deep breathing or get a massage. Teach your body how to relax and relief could follow.
- Talk therapy may help! Sometimes chronic pain can even be addressed through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Physical activity helps keep you spry
One important aspect of managing pain from old injuries is to stay active and engaged in regular physical activity. While it can be tempting to avoid movement in order to avoid pain, this can actually lead to more stiffness and discomfort down the line.
Exercising on your own or with the help of a therapist can gradually build strength and flexibility in the affected area, patients can reduce their pain and increase their overall quality of life.
Medications and Procedures may help when therapy doesn’t
In addition to physical therapy, talk therapy, and exercise, there are a variety of other treatments that may be helpful. These include:
- Medications to manage pain and inflammation
- Injections to provide targeted relief
- Surgical interventions to remove hardware or address other issues.
At ReclaimAbility, we work with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that takes into account their unique medical history, symptoms, and goals.
If you are experiencing pain from an old injury, it is important to seek medical attention. While it can be tempting to try to tough it out, chronic pain can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being.
