How to sit comfortably with a fractured pelvis; A fractured pelvis can be a painful injury requiring careful attention to healing and daily activities. Sitting comfortably is one of the most common challenges people with a fractured pelvis face.
The best way to avoid pain is to detect the major issue causing the pain. Mind it that pain varies from person to person, but there are a few methods to prevent severe pain.
This blog post will provide tips and techniques to help you sit comfortably with a fractured pelvis.
So, let’s get started on your journey to know “How to sit comfortably with a fractured pelvis.”
Which Bones Make Pelvis?
If you have a fracture in any part of your pelvis, there is often a matching fracture on the other side.
There are three bones that make a pelvis.
- The sacrum (the large triangle-shaped bone at the base of your spine).
- The coccyx (tailbone).
- The hip bones, which include the ilium, ischium and pubis
Excessive Movements
The hip or pelvis bears most of the upper body weight: So any movement can strain the pelvis. With a fractured pelvis, doctors recommend avoiding excessive movements; doctors might suggest complete bed rest if the fracture is severe.
Sitting With a Fractured Pelvis
The only consideration while sitting is to avoid extra pressure or strain on the fractured bone means you cannot sit with your legs crossed or stand up using your arms as support.
Stabilizing and elevating the fractured bone is important to avoid putting pressure on it. For this purpose, coccyx or doughnut cushions can be useful.
A coccyx cushion can help you to prevent strain on the pelvis and spine; it can also help you to improve your posture.
If your work includes sitting, this could be problematic. Prolonged sitting can irritate the fractured bone and induce pain.
To avoid this problem
- Try shifting positions every five minutes.
- Take frequent breaks between sitting by standing up for five minutes after every 30 minutes.
Walking With a Fractured Pelvis
Signs and Symptoms
The signs of a fractured pelvis depend on the severity of the fracture. Some people start walking right after the fracture, some times it’s impossible to even stand due to unbearable pain.
After the fracture Patient should avoid walking. Complete bed rest is not necessary for hairline fractures; doctors still recommend rest and walking with the help of a walking aid such as crutches and cranes.
For avulsion fractures: the patient needs Bed rest for 6-8 weeks, while stress fractures require 4-6 weeks to heal completely.
Recovery Time for the Elderly
The recovery time for older adults with a fractured pelvis is way longer than for a healthy young adult or child.
It usually takes eight to twelve weeks for an elder person to recover from a pelvic fracture.
Pelvic fracture is the most common type of fracture in the elderly; due to weak or insufficient bones. Bones in older people get weak due to osteoporosis and are fractured easily.
Healing in older adults requires complete bed rest, even for hairline fractures.
Signs and Symptoms for a Hairline Pelvis Fracture
The signs and symptoms of hairline pelvis fracture include;
- Sharp or shooting pain in the groin area
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Intense pain during walking or running
- Pain while peeing
- Swelling in the pelvic region
- Bruising and tenderness
How to Get Out of Bed With a Pelvis Fracture?
If the doctor has recommended you a complete bed rest, you may ask your care taker to help you get out of bed and try not to put any direct pressure over your pelvis.
Rolling to your side is the best option if you want to get out of bed without anyone’s help. To do this;
- Roll to your strong side.
- Scoot the hips close to the edge of your bed.
- Bring both legs off and push up from the bed or side rail.
Long-Term Effects of a Pelvic Fracture
1. Limping Gait
Patients often limp for several weeks or even months after fractures; because after fracturing the hip, the muscles around the pelvis become weak and takes a long time to become strong again.
Long-term complications of an untreated fractured pelvis
2. Nerve Damage
When there’s nerve damage at the time of pelvic fracture, some nerve damage will remain and should affect your long-term mobility.
It can also cause disability in some cases; the severity of long-term effects depends on the type and severity of fractures.
How Can You Diagnose Pelvic Fracture?
- X-ray is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pelvis fracture
- A CT scan can also help in the diagnosis
- Signs and symptoms also help to diagnose the injury.
What Is the Fastest Way to Heal Pelvic Fractures?
1. Rest
The most effective and best way of fast healing is to rest, avoid putting pressure on the hip, stabilize it, and prevent further injuries.
2. Walking Aids
Depending on the type of your fracture, your healthcare provider may suggest you use different types of walking aids.
Crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, or cranes are the most commonly used walking aids in rehabilitation after lower limb fractures.
They elevate the stress and strain from the broken bone and help to make the healing fast.
You may have to use walking aids for at least 3-4 months until the fracture is completely healed.
3. Medications
The doctor may prescribe you medication for pain, such as painkillers or NSAIDs, to help the healing process.
4. Surgery
Surgery is required when the fracture is unstable and cannot heal on its own. There are different types of surgeries;
- External fixation
- Skeletal traction
- Open reduction and internal fixation
How Can Physiotherapy Help You?
Physiotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitating fractured bone; after surgery for healing of the bone, the physiotherapist checks for the ROM assesses for postural instability and assesses the gait of the patient and the strength of the muscles.
- Physiotherapist help in correcting the limping gait
- Strengthening the muscles of the pelvis
- Exercises to promote healing
- Increasing the range of motion
- Correct any postural instability
- Prevent disability
Wrapping up!
When the pelvis is fractured, people might start walking right away because the pain is numbed by the trauma, but when it finds its way, it will be sharp, shooting, and unbearable.
If you want to sit comfortably with a fractured pelvis, use cushions and avoid prolonged sitting.
The best way to heal pelvic fractures is to rest; it is essential to ask for professional help and follow the treatment protocols to avoid any complications or disability in the future.
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FAQs
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