UPDATED Elastic arteries like your aorta and pulmonary artery are arteries that carry a large amount of blood away from your heart. Their high elastic content lets them handle the force of blood coming from your heart nearby. This is important because your heart switches between pumping and resting instead of sending blood in a steady flow.
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Questions you can ask your provider include:
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Breaking a bone in your leg is a serious injury. Any trauma that’s severe enough to break bones in your leg can cause other, potentially life-threatening injuries.
It’s extremely important to go to the emergency room right away if you think you have a broken leg. The sooner your injury is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it is to heal properly. Talk to your provider or surgeon about what to expect.
You can’t stand, walk or put weight on your leg with a broken femur or tibia.
Some people with a broken fibula can still walk because it isn’t a weight-bearing bone (it doesn’t support your body weight when you stand and move). But because it’s rare to break your fibula on its own, you shouldn’t try to walk or use it.
Your provider or surgeon will show you how to safely stand, walk and move while you’re wearing a cast or after surgery.
Broken legs can be scary, intense injuries. You’ll probably need to adjust to standing and moving differently for at least a few months while you’re recovering. That time is worth it. Most leg fractures heal very well without long-term consequences.
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Physical therapy is a long, hard process. Take time to celebrate your progress and be proud of each step on your recovery journey.
Ask your healthcare provider or surgeon how to take care of your cast if you need one. They’ll give you tips on doing everyday activities like bathing and getting dressed.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cancer treatments can save lives. But they can also be hard on your heart. Cleveland Clinic’s cardio-oncology team is here to help.
