Pain and loss of function are often associated with this stage. This is the body's signal to you, to isolate and immobilize the area for proper healing. White blood cells rush to the area to clean bacteria and debris.
The second, or subacute, stage can occur anywhere from two days to several weeks after injury. Inflammation begins to subside and you experience a gradual restoration of the damaged tissues. There is a slight decrease in pain and swelling, but the pain returns easily with any irritation. This stage can last several weeks.
The third stage – called the chronic phase - is the final repair. It can overlap the subacute phase and start two to three weeks after the injury; this stage can continue up to TWO YEARS.
During this time, inflammation has subsided, but continued loss of function is possible. Pain may occur in response to stress due to the formation of scar tissue. As time progresses, scar tissue strengthens, but will only be 70 to 80 per cent as strong as the tissue it replaced.
The rate you heal is determined by a host of factors – most beyond your control:
The more tissue damage, the longer it will take to heal.
How old you are: Healing is often harder for older persons – they heal, just slowly and develop scar tissue that is not as strong as a younger person.
Pre-existing conditions: Certain medical conditions contribute to poor healing like diabetes, chronic liver or kidney conditions or the presence of carcinomas (cancer).
Foreign bodies: Foreign material, such as glass, wood or gravel in a wound slows healing and makes you more susceptible to infections.
Infection: An infection can cause increased inflammation. This is the body's natural reaction to injury causing pain, heat, redness, swelling and decreased function. It can be present without infection, but its presence complicates the healing process.
Blood supply: Decreased blood flow due to swelling, compression of soft tissue over bone or
pre-existing vascular problems interferes with healing. Inadequate blood supply slows the transportation of nutrients necessary for proper tissue recovery. It also impedes the removal of wastes such as toxins and bacteria.
Wound separation: Open wounds with large gaps cannot effectively heal over and are also more susceptible to infection. Closure of the wound with stitches solves this problem, but if they are removed too early, the wound may pop back open.
There are also a number of things you can control:
Proper care: Efficient care of the wound or injury is essential for healing. Proper emergency first aid including wound cleaning and bandaging will lower the chances of infection and re-injury.
Follow-up with a qualified medical professional for serious wounds and injuries will decrease the risks of complications. Compliance with treatment plans is vital for quick, efficient recuperation.
Attempting to do too much too soon will only delay healing. Walking on a badly sprained ankle just because a few days have gone by may only increase your risk for a chronic problem.
Nutrition: Adequate nutrition is required for proper, efficient healing. Increased protein and calorie intake is needed during tissue repair. Vitamins, such as
A, C and E, promote healing and help decrease scarring, whereas minerals such as Iron and Zinc facilitate bonding of tissues, thus aiding in healing. If you supplement protein, you may wish to continue – it will help you
maintain muscle as well as help with speed healing.
Drugs: The use of medications will assist with the healing process, but only your doctor can recommend the best options. Some medications inhibit healing. For example, steroids halt the inflammation process, a normal, necessary part of healing. Immune-suppressing drugs also interfere with tissue repair. Smoking delays the recovery process, plus it can interfere with the action of certain drugs. Pain medications can mask pain, which can allow re-injury.
Serious injuries can take a long time to heal, but two years is shorter than forever, so think twice before jumping back in to your exercise routine at full speed – slow and easy.
Don’t try to second guess your doctor, either. He may be conservative about your healing rate, but better safe than sorry!
