Why does my broken bone cause major itching?

Question

I broke my fibula (leg bone broken right above my ankle) about 2 weeks ago. I had a cast for a week and then it was taken off and i was given a boot kinda thing. I can take it off and scratch and stuff so its not too bad, but I need it for another few weeks anyway. But, my question is... WHY IN THE WORLD IS IT SO ITCHY???

Answer 1

The itching and burning (from my experience) is your bone healing.

Answer 2

Try not to scratch, as that'll make it itch all that much more because of the little cuts and scrapes you cause when you scratch.

When your broken leg itches, elevate it at a level above your heart (so, for example, you could lay down with your leg up on a pile of pillows).

You'll lessen the blood flow and reduce swelling.  That's usually enough to reduce the itching.

If elevation alone doesn't help, elevate and ice it. With your leg elevated, put an ice pack (with cloth between it and your skin to prevent ice burn!) over the fractured area lightly (prevent putting pressure on it) for 20 minutes, then take it off for 10 minutes.

Both elevation and ice will also help in the healing process.

Remember, when it comes to broken bones RICE is nice (Rest - Ice - Compression - Elevation)

Answer 3

Its the skin. Put a good moisturizer on it when you have it out of the boot.