Dealing with a fracture, or know someone else who is? Here are 6 tips to help you recover properly from a fracture.
A bone fracture can occur for a variety of reasons including trauma from a fall, blunt force, or sports injuries. When too much force or impact is placed on a bone, it can lead to a break. But not all fractures occur due to high and sudden force on a bone. Repetitive force on a bone can also lead to small cracks in the bone called a stress fracture.
There are different types of fractures including a closed or open fracture. An open or compound fracture involves injury to the skin. If a fracture is closed, the skin is not broken.
In some cases, it is obvious a bone is broken. Severe pain may be felt after a sudden impact, or an obvious deformity of the bone may have occurred. But in other instances, a break may be hard to differentiate from a sprain.
Keep in mind, the symptoms of a bone fracture can vary depending on the bone that is broken and the type of fracture. For instance, stress or hairline fractures often have different symptoms than an open fracture. But typical symptoms of a bone fracture may include:
When a bone is fractured, the healing process involves a complex process that includes tissue and cell growth. The healing process is divided into three phases including inflammation, repairing, and remodeling phase.
The first phase is the inflammation phase where swelling occurs along with the formation of a blood clot. After a few days, the repairing stage occurs, which involves new cells forming in the fracture site and development of a soft bone substance. Eventually, the soft bone hardens in the final phase of healing known as remodeling. The time it takes for a bone to heal may depend on the person’s age, type of fracture, and nutrition.
If you think you fractured a bone, it’s essential to see a doctor. Depending on what bone is involved and the type of fracture, you may need a wrap, cast, or brace to keep the bone from moving.
Several factors can play a role in how fast and well you recover from a fracture. Poor diet, smoking, and having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can affect bone healing. Some medications including over-the-counter pain medications can also affect how fast you heal, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor before taking any drugs.
There are some general things you can do to speed healing and properly recover from a fracture including:
Your doctor developed a specific treatment plan, which may include a cast, crutches, or certain restrictions. Not following your recommended treatment plan may lead to complications or delay your healing time.
A joint supplement can decrease swelling and inflammation in the affected area. It also promotes healthy joints and healing. Joint supplements that contain ingredients such as Ginger Root Extract and Boswellia Serrata (ApresFlex) are great options for helping with inflammation.
Using ice during the inflammation stage of healing, which is usually the first few days after the fracture, can be helpful. Applying ice leads to constriction of the blood vessels, which may decrease swelling and pain. Apply an ice pack for about fifteen to twenty minutes four times a day.
Smoking can inhibit bone healing. Smoking decreases blood flow to the bones. When blood flow is reduced, the bone does not get the necessary nutrients for healing, and the process is slowed. If you smoke, now is the time to try and kick the habit. Talk with your doctor about medications and other smoking cessation methods.
The pain from a fracture can be severe in some cases. Prescription medication may be prescribed, especially at first. But it has side effects and should only be taken for a short time. As the bone heals, pain may lessen, but you may still have some discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can interfere with the normal inflammatory process, which is part of healing. To help with pain, consider applying a topical pain relief lotion to the area. Select a lotion with ingredients such as menthol, trolamine salicylate, or Arnica to help with discomfort.
Your body requires certain nutrients to heal a fracture properly. Be sure to eat plenty of lean protein, such as chicken and fish, along with vegetables. It’s also important to eat dairy and nuts that provide good sources of magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B6, and D, which all help with the bone healing process.
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