How to Speed Up the Healing of a Fractured Bone
It does not really matter what bone you have fractured. As insignificant as it can be, it is very important to be healed properly. If this is not happening, later on there will be complications that will include the limitation of movements and even capabilities.
How fast a bone is going to heal depends on a great number of factors. Age, nutrition, the state of the immune system or the extent of the injury are only some of them. First of all, an orthopedist should see you. Then, there are also some actions you could take, too. Here are some of them:
- Quit smoking – The negative effects this habit has on health are already known by everyone. In the case of a bone fracture, it can impede the circulation of the blood, reducing the amount of nutrients that could reach the bone, thus slowing down the healing process.
- Quit alcohol – This element will inhibit the bone’s capacity to respond to the signals of the body that are being sent after the injury has been made. These signals will start the process of repairing. If the process of bone formation is hampered, the recovery will not take place.
- No caffeine – Coffee or any other beverages you drink that contain caffeine should be put on hold while your bone fracture heals. The reason for this is that caffeine reduces the amount of calcium in the bones, causing this mineral to be flushed out through the kidneys.
- Get as much calcium as you can – Try eating foods loaded with calcium that will help strengthen your bones and heal the fractured one much faster. Consume milk, soybeans, yogurt, dark leafy green vegetables, canned sardines, orange juice or calcium-fortified cereals whenever you get the chance. You can also think about getting some supplements. Be careful not to overdose on calcium. Otherwise, you may come across other health issues.
- Eat foods rich in protein and calories – Your body may need 6000 calories a day to heal a broken bone. Protein should be the main pylon in your diet as it is necessary for healthy bones and for repairing the damaged ones.
- Look for herbal remedies – Traditional Medicine recommends a series of herbs that can help with the healing of a broken bone. Burdock, Horsetail, wild comfrey or arnica can do miracles for your body.
- Stay active – You have to get the minimum amount of exercise, just to get your blood running. This way, your injured bone will get the nutrients it needs and the oxygen it seeks for. Watch out for the exercises you are performing! They could displace your fractured bone! To avoid that from happening, consider talking to an orthopedist, as he will know exactly what types of exercises you should be doing for your condition.
- Have a balanced diet – Your diet should contain the right quantities of vitamins and minerals. Make sure you get enough magnesium, phosphorus, copper and silicon. Vitamin A, B6, C, D and K should also be included in your daily diet.