Fractures are one of the most common situations faced by an orthopedist. But for every patient in this situation, the discomfort, fear and pain experienced are far from common – especially if the type of fracture suffered, closed or open, in the hand, foot, collarbone or rib involves the immobilization of part of the body.
What is a bone fracture? CAUSE
Fractures are injuries that can occur frequently. Let’s just think about how the orthopedic emergency rooms become too small in the winter, when the streets turn into an ice rink. Fracture is a discontinuity in the bone, which occurs for various reasons. If the skin remains intact we are talking about a closed fracture, and if the bone has pierced the skin it is an open fracture. This can be simple, when the bone is broken in one place or commutative, when the bone is broken in more than three pieces.
The causes of fractures are multiple. They can appear after playing sports or intervene after an incident at work and at home, in a simple moment of inattention. These are fractures of a healthy bone. However, there are also pathological fractures, caused by certain diseases that make the bone structure vulnerable (osteoporosis, infections, tumors). When we have already reached this situation, all we are interested in is healing as soon as possible.
How long does a broken bone weld
We need to know that bone is a complex, living tissue that constantly adapts to the pressures to which it is subjected. A multitude of nutrients, hormones and other biochemical elements are essential for the formation of bone tissue and its maintenance in normal parameters. Depending on the type of fracture and the fractured bone, the healing and recovery process can vary between 6 and 16 weeks. One is to be a simple crack and quite another to face a fractured bone in several places, with displacement. Age, general health and blood flow to the fracture are other factors that influence the treatment and healing process. In any case, there are ways to speed up the healing of a fracture.
5 steps through which the healing of a fracture can be accelerated
Varied diet
Strange as it may seem, a varied diet is essential in the recovery process after a fracture. This does not mean eating huge amounts of food, especially eating healthy and what you need. Protein is very important in restoring bone tissue. Therefore, it is a good idea to include in the diet, during convalescence, beef, chicken or turkey, fish (salmon, sardines), low-fat cheese, beans, lentils, soy, nuts.
Foods with an inflammatory role
Another step towards accelerated healing after a fracture involves favoring foods with an anti-inflammatory role. They are part of the group of antioxidants, with properties to reduce oxidative stress. Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits, kiwis, cherries, apricots, peaches, grapes, vegetables with green fruits (spinach, stevia, cabbage, broccoli), but also in carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers or hot peppers – has anti-inflammatory properties and in addition, it stimulates collagen synthesis, important for bone tissue repair. Vitamin E (nuts and seeds, avocado, olive and sunflower oil, almonds, wheat germ oil) also acts as an antioxidant and helps accelerate healing. The same category includes Omega 3 fatty acids (fatty fish, seafood, flax seeds), lycopene (cooked tomatoes, watermelon, red cabbage, grapefruit) and alpha-lipoic acid (spinach, broccoli, brewer’s yeast, potatoes and organs). The latter can be supplemented with supplements, at the doctor’s indication. Vitamin K (cabbage, cauliflower, chicken, dark green leafy vegetables) and B6 (brewer’s yeast, whole grains, bananas, salmon, spinach, sunflower seeds) in turn promote recovery after a fracture.
Mineral intake
Bones are made up of a large proportion of minerals – calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, silicone, copper, etc. As a result, healing after a fracture requires a reserve in the body of these minerals. Calcium and phosphorus are the main minerals in the bone system. Cheese, shellfish, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, pork, beef, lentils are rich in phosphorus, and calcium can be obtained from dairy products, sardines, sesame seeds, almonds and soy. Zinc (seeds, legumes and grains) and copper (shellfish, liver, dark chocolate) are also needed in the healing process after a fracture. With an important role in collagen synthesis and potentiating the effects of calcium and vitamin D3, silicon (horsetail) shortens convalescence after a fracture.
Mobilization
Early mobilization after a fracture intensifies the recovery process. This does not mean neglecting the advice of the orthopedist, but, as soon as it is recommended, to exercise. The proper functioning of the joints above and below the fractured bone is important. For example, in the case of a forearm fracture, slight movements of the fingers as well as the elbow and shoulder joints may occur. And if the orthopedist recommends physical therapy and massage, it is good not to hesitate, because both will help us recover. Additionally, an ointment may be used to alleviate edema and enhance nutrition in areas afflicted by the condition.
Stop smoking
We need to know that smoking delays healing after a fracture. Researchers at the American University of Johns Hopkins have found that smokers are twice as likely to develop a bone infection than those who do not have this habit, and the formation of cartilage is slower in the former. Alcohol abuse, carbonated drinks, salt or diuretic teas are also not recommended after a fracture, because they reduce the absorption of calcium or lead to its loss through urine.
Therefore, for the healing after a fracture, the most diverse factors intervene. After suffering a fracture, we probably won’t be in the best mental shape. But, as all evil is for good, we can use this period to make some changes in diet and lifestyle, which will benefit not only the skeletal system, but the entire state of health.
Learn more about broken bone healing burning sensation.
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