Have you ever experienced a bone injury or encountered a delay in healing during post-surgical recovery? During this situation, doctors often recommend using a bone stimulator. They speed up the bone healing process and help in repairing the bone through electrical stimulation and low-intensity ultrasound.
People who are about to use a bone stimulator often have this question: “How long does a bone stimulator take to work?” The right answer depends on the severity of the injury; however, it typically takes around 3-9 months.
In this blog, we’ll provide details about the bone stimulator, including its operation and optimal usage for achieving the best results.
What is a bone stimulator?
A bone stimulator, also known as a bone growth stimulator, is an electrical device used to help in bone healing naturally. It passes an electrical current to the body, activating bone cells. Doctors prescribe bone stimulators for intense injuries around areas like the foot, leg, or neck.
Treatment of bone injuries should not be delayed. If you ever experience such an injury, it is always recommended to visit an emergency care centre immediately for quick treatment. Our board-certified medical staff at the ER of Mesquite are equipped with all the tools they need to deliver prompt, efficient care.
Types of Bone Stimulators
They come in two types, and doctors recommend them based on the severity of the injury. Bone stimulators for the leg, neck, foot, or any other body part are mostly the same, except for the difference in their use.
Below are the details of two different types of bone stimulators:
- Electrical Bone Stimulators: They are used to send electrical current to the body to activate the body cells. Orthofix bone stimulators are one of the most common types of electrical bone stimulators.
- Ultrasound Bone Stimulators: In this, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound waves are used to speed up the recovery process. Exogen bone stimulators are among its common options.
Bone Growth Stimulator Side Effects
Although this device is safe and recommended by doctors, a few patients might face some side effects. They are usually mild and temporary, but it is important to understand these side effects.
Below is a list of a few common side effects of bone growth stimulators:
- Mild irritation in the skin or redness
- Headaches and fatigue (less common)
- Allergic reactions
- Tingling in sensitive areas
Bone Stimulator for Neck
Injuries in the neck might take more healing time than usual, as the blood flow in the neck is slow and the movement is constant in the cervical spine. To speed up the healing process, doctors recommend a bone stimulator for the neck.
People who suffer from conditions like osteoporosis have slow and weakened bone healing; for them, this device is immensely beneficial. It is also supportive in reducing the risk after cervical spinal fusion surgery.
With the bone stimulator, the chances of failed fusion or nonunion are minimized. It also promotes faster fusion of the cervical spine. It is painless and can be easily worn for around 30 minutes daily. The time can be extended depending on the requirement.
Bone Stimulator for Foot Injuries
The foot has a limited blood supply, due to which healing from fractures is delayed or results in nonunion fractures. Due to running and daily activities, foot injuries are caused more often. To make the healing process faster, doctors often recommend a bone stimulator for the foot.
Doctors prescribe a bone growth stimulator for the foot for post-surgical recovery and to help heal bone fractures. In cases where patients have these questions about “how to tell if a bone is fractured or bruised,” cases where the bone injury is mixed with a tissue problem, in such scenarios, doctors recommend using a bone stimulator for good results.
This device speeds up the healing process; many patients have reported improvements within 3-6 months and complete recovery within 9 months. It is safe to use and non-invasive, so it helps in healing without any major problems.
For effective and right treatment, it is advised to get a digital X-ray of the injured foot so the bone stimulator can be used at the right place.
How long does a bone stimulator take to work?
Most patients have a common concern about “How long does a bone stimulator take to work?” In reality, the actual time is around 3-6 months in most cases, whereas some people have reported recovering in 9 months.
Sprains and fractures should not be ignored and immediately require medical treatment. If the fracture is severe, where options like skeletal traction, bruised sternum, or rib subluxation are implemented, then in such cases, bone stimulators are beneficial.
In cases where patients are healing from surgical procedures like akin osteotomy, they can also benefit from bone stimulators to speed up their healing process.
If the doctors have recommended using an Orthofix bone stimulator (electrical-based), then the healing process might take up to 6-9 months if it is used for hours daily. Whereas if the patient is using an Exogen bone stimulator (ultrasound-based) for around 20 minutes daily, then they might observe a slight improvement in around 3 months.
How to increase bone stimulator results?
With the use of a bone stimulator, you can improve the healing results, but there are few effective ways in which you can observe better results. By following a healthy routine and taking proper care while using a bone stimulator, the success rate of bone stimulators relatively increases.
Use it consistently
Use the device as recommended by the doctor regularly. Skipping its use or overusing it, which is against doctors’ prescriptions, can slow down the healing process.
Take proper nutrition
Bone strength can be improved with proper intake of calcium or vitamin D. Protein is also compulsory for tissue repair, which helps in bone recovery. If you have recently undergone a surgery like akin osteotomy, and are healing from it, then a healthy diet is important.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking, alcohol, and nicotine slow down the flow of blood, which results in delaying the bone healing process. Cutting off such products improves the blood circulation, making the use of a bone stimulator more effective.
Monitor side effects
A bone growth stimulator does not have any common side effects, but it is always advised to look for existing problems. Problems such as skin irritation, tingling, or discomfort should be watched and immediately treated.
Wrapping up: Bone Growth Stimulators and Recovery Expectations
In a nutshell, the right answer to “How long does a bone stimulator take to work?” depends upon the severity of the fracture, lifestyle implementations, and its use. The majority of patients observe improvements in the first 3-6 months and full recovery in 9 months.
This device is safe to use and does not cause any prominent issues. Whether it’s electrical bone stimulators or ultrasound-based bone stimulators, both are safe to use and do not have any visible side effects. In some cases, bone growth stimulators do have minor side effects, including irritation or a tingling effect.
At ER of Mesquite, apart from focusing on providing the right care, we also guide patients through the right recovery process. If you or your loved ones require instant medical help, then simply contact us for the best medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is using a bone stimulator painful?
No, it is not painful and can be used safely as prescribed by the doctor.
In how much time does a bone stimulator show results?
The result depends upon the severity of injury, but the majority of patients have reported improvements in 3-6 months, with full recovery in 9 months.
What makes a bone stimulator more effective?
A balanced diet with a good intake of nutrients, such as vitamin D, calcium, and zinc, makes the use of a bone stimulator more effective.
Is a bone stimulator recommended for children?
It can be used by children, if prescribed by doctors, especially in cases when the fracture or bone injury is not healing properly.
