Electrostimulation is recognized as an effective method for the rehabilitation of patients, and to improve results when we combine it with physical activity. In this post, we will learn what bone callus is, and what role it plays in bone fractures. In addition, we will check if the electrostimulation system is efficient for the recovery of fractures, and its effectiveness with fractures in which consolidation disorders occur.
What is bone callus?
The bone callus is a natural formation that appears after the fracture of a bone to join its ends. The bone fracture precedes a hematoma that becomes a clot, this becomes tissue after a process of connective metabolism and cartilage tissue and osteoid tissue, on which calcium is confined, forming mature bone tissue. The union of a fracture may be abnormal, and it is possible that another callus may form, such as hypertrophic, vicious, etc.
We can define bone callus as the temporary formation of fibroblasts and chondroblasts in the fracture zone of a bone, while it tries to regenerate.
- Fibroblasts are a very common type of cell and are found in connective tissue.
- Chondroblasts are cells that contain the organelles necessary to synthesize proteins.
Bone callus in fractures
The body has the ability to regenerate its tissues after an injury, replacing damaged tissues with new tissue. The bone has a very important regeneration capacity and a certain time for its repair. This process of bone repair is known as bone healing.
Bone consolidation is completed in 3 consecutive phases. These phases are: inflammatory and proliferative, fracture callus formation, and remodeling.
Inflammatory phase
When a bone is impacted, it absorbs energy along with the surrounding soft tissues, but if the energy exceeds its absorption capacity, the bone fractures. When a bone fractures, local hemorrhage and necrosis of bone cells and soft tissues occur. That’s where the procedure begins:
Starting from the previous situation, the cells begin to migrate to the fracture site and these cells begin to multiply. Fluid accumulates in the space between the cells and increases capillary permeability, leading to edema around the fracture and inflammation.
Fracture callus formation
In the second phase, the soft fracture callus begins to form. In this phase, the cells in the outer layers of the bone and soft tissues proliferate, and the cells that will form the new bone tissue, cells that absorb and remodel the bone, and cells that create cartilaginous tissues begin to differentiate.
At the end of this phase, the mineralization of the callus begins to take place, due to the crystals that are deposited in it.
Remodeling phase
This phase can take months and even years. If the injured area is not vascularized, regeneration never occurs, since the metabolic activity that involves repair cannot be carried out without the oxygen contained in the blood. For this reason, it is sometimes necessary to perform vascularized bone grafts.
Vascularized bone is bone tissue that has blood vessels that are used to replace diseased or injured bone.
EMS and benefits for body composition
Training with electrostimulation
Physical training is important to achieve benefits in body composition. Programs that combine strength resistance and cardio training help reduce body fat and increase muscle mass, but we can also find other benefits such as increased bone mineral density.
The increase in bone mineral density is an important factor in preventing fractures, or benefits recovery when we suffer a bone injury.
According to a study carried out by Amaro-Gahete, De-la-O, Jurado-Fasoli, Ruiz, Castillo, and Gutiérrez (2019) for the journal Medicine and Science in Sport, training with EMS systems favors the improvement of body composition.
This research aimed to investigate the effects of different training programs on body composition parameters in sedentary middle-aged adults. The first training program was based on the WHO physical activity recommendation. The second performed high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and the third added the full-body electrical stimulation system (WB-EMS) to the HIIT training program.
All sessions began with a dynamic general mobility warm-up and cooled down with global active stretching.
The results of this research led the authors to the conclusion that training with a body muscle electrostimulation system improves the results in all the parameters studied.
Conclusion
The bone callus is a natural formation of the human body that appears after a fracture in order to join the ends. Sedentary life and poor diet favor bone fragility, increasing the chances of fracture.
One of the ways to prevent fractures is by carrying out physical activities that improve our body composition. In addition, we must obtain the necessary minerals and vitamins to strengthen our bone composition.
Electrostimulation combined with physical training raises the levels of mineralization in the bones, in addition to promoting fat burning and improving body composition. That is why it is postulated as a means of preventing fractures, or of rehabilitation once the injury has been suffered.
At Wiemspro we have revolutionized the electrostimulation market with the technology of our EMS suits and equipment. Always thinking about your comfort and safety, our electrostimulation suits are characterized by their ergonomic technology, since they adapt perfectly to your body; and for its absolute quality in more advanced textile materials. This technological advance in EMS equipment aims to make your training comfortable, safe, and efficient. Our EMS suits are suitable for any type of user, whether they are an amateur athlete or an EMS training professional.
Frequently asked questions about bone callus
How long does it take for bone callus to disappear?
The disappearance of a bone callus, also known as a fracture callus, can vary significantly depending on the severity of the fracture, the age of the patient, and other factors. A bone callus is a mass of bone tissue that forms around a fracture during the healing process. Its function is to stabilize and repair the fracture.
Generally, bone callus formation begins within the first few weeks after the fracture and may continue for several months. In small, simple fractures, the bone callus may disappear completely within a few months, once the bone has completely healed. However, in more severe fractures or in older people, the healing process may be slower and the bone callus may persist for longer.
In some cases, especially in complex fractures or in areas of significant loading, the bone callus may not disappear completely and will remain as a permanent structure in the bone. If you have specific concerns about a bone callus or its healing, we recommend that you consult a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedist, for appropriate evaluation and guidance for your particular situation.
How do I know if I already have a bone callus?
Determining whether you have a bone callus will require a medical evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic doctor or radiologist, as specific diagnostic tools are needed to confirm its presence. However, there are some symptoms and signs that could indicate the presence of a bone callus, such as:
- Persistent pain: Pain at the site of a fracture that persists beyond the initial healing period could be an indication of bone callus formation.
- Difficulty in movement: If you experience restrictions in the movement of a joint or bone after a fracture, this could be a sign of a bone callus.
- Lumpy sensation: In some cases, you may feel a lump or area of increased density at the fracture site, which could be a bone callus.
- Changes on x-rays: Imaging tests, such as x-rays, are a common way to confirm the presence of a bone callus. Radiologists and orthopedists can identify bone callus formation on an x-ray.
- History of fracture: If you have a history of recent fractures and are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it may be due to a bone callus.
If you suspect you may have a bone callus from a previous fracture or are experiencing persistent symptoms related to a past fracture, we recommend that you consult a healthcare professional. The doctor will perform a clinical evaluation and, if necessary, order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the presence of a bone callus and determine the best treatment approach for your case.
How to remove a callus naturally
Calluses, also known as calluses, are thickened areas of skin that often form in response to continued pressure or friction. They may appear on the feet, hands, or other areas of the body. Here are some ways to treat calluses naturally:
- Foot bath: Soak your feet in warm water for about 15-20 minutes to soften the hardened skin. This will facilitate gentle removal of the callus.
- Exfoliation: After soaking your feet, use a pumice stone or file to gently remove hardened skin. Do it with soft and circular movements. Don’t overdo it, as you could damage healthy skin.
- Hydration: Apply a moisturizer or oil to the affected areas after exfoliating to keep the skin soft and prevent a new callus from forming.
- Pads or protectors: You can use pads or protectors designed for calluses on your feet to reduce friction and pressure on those areas.
- Changing shoes: Make sure you wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes to avoid excessive pressure on your feet.
- Using Orthotics: Custom insoles or orthotics can help distribute pressure evenly and reduce callus formation.
- Tea tree oil: Some people have found relief by applying tea tree oil, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, to callus areas.
- Apple cider vinegar: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and soak a cloth in the solution. Then, place the cloth on the affected area overnight to help soften the callus.
- Tape: Some people have used tape or special dressings to reduce friction in the callus area.
It is important to remember that removing a callus can take time, and in some cases, may require medical attention if the callus is painful or persistent. Avoid using sharp or cutting objects to remove calluses, as this can cause skin injury.
If your calluses are painful or do not respond to natural treatments, we recommend consulting a podiatrist or dermatologist for a diagnosis and proper guidance on how to treat them safely and effectively.
Can bone callus be broken?
Bone calluses, also known as fracture calluses, are formations of bone tissue that develop around a fracture during the healing process. They are not fragile structures like skin calluses that form in response to pressure or friction. Instead, bone calluses are an integral part of the fracture healing process and are designed to provide stability and repair to the injured bone.
Under normal conditions, a bone callus is not easy to break, as it is composed of bone tissue that gradually fuses with the surrounding bone as the fracture heals. However, if you experience trauma or extreme force to the fracture area before the fracture has fully healed, complications such as a recurrent fracture or deformity may occur. For this reason, it is important to follow your doctor or health care professional’s recommendations regarding protecting and caring for a fracture until it has completely healed.
