Doctor Advises Tips To Heal Your Bones Quickly After A Fracture

Anyone who has fractured their bones at some point in their lives can tell you just how painful this mishap can be. Not only is it an extremely uncomfortable ordeal to go through, but it also has lifelong implications as the site of a bone fracture triggers pain for years after the bone has healed. A study published in the Archives of Osteoporosis revealed that the risk of chronic widespread body pain is also increased if a person has suffered a bone fracture, especially spine and hip fractures.

Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Kunal Kanti Pal, Consultant, Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Department, CMRI Kolkata, elucidated the best and worst practices after you have fractured your bone, and some expert tips to accelerate your healing. 

Reasons Why Fractures Hurt For Years After It Has Healed

Dr Pal shared that if bone fractures are not properly taken care of, it leads to a non-healing fracture in which the fractured bones do not grow back together properly. He said, “Usually, bone reconstruction begins soon after a doctor has aligned and stabilised the bone fragments. However, in a non-healing fracture, the damaged bone may be weak or uncomfortable when it grows back. This impairs the function of the affected body site.”

Also Read: Hairline Fractures: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Listing the symptoms of an improperly healed fracture, Dr Pal stated, “Tenderness, swelling, and excruciating pain that may be felt deep inside the damaged bone are common symptoms of a fracture that is not healing. Often, the bone isn’t strong enough to support weight, and you may be unable to use the damaged body part until it heals. Pain and weakness are frequently present until the bone heals. It can take years for this fracture to fully heal if it ever does.”

Best Way To Take Care Of Broken Bones

The physical consequences of a broken bone are very evident. There is acute discomfort as well as swelling and agony. As the fractured bone can no longer provide support to that area of the body, adjoining muscles have to work overtime. However, a bone fracture can be healed faster with modern treatments combined with some modest lifestyle and nutritional changes, informed Dr Pal:

• Maintain A Balanced Diet: To promote speedier recovery, ensure that you are eating a balanced diet that contains healthy food groups with increasing calorie levels, and fresh ingredients.
• Exercise Regularly: A healthy supply of essential nutrients to the fracture site can accelerate its healing. Certain exercises that are not too strenuous and aid rehabilitation can promote blood flow and the delivery of important nutrients.
• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Smoking and drinking in general are terrible for your health, and they slow down the healing of your bones. These damaging substances affect blood flow to your bones, preventing your bones from receiving the nutrients essential for recovery.
• Say No To Excessive Salt, Sweetened beverages, And Caffeine: Sodium, sugary drinks, and cola can leach calcium from the bones, limiting bone regeneration. Similarly, caffeine has chemicals that interact with calcium and can inhibit its absorption, slowing the healing process. 
• Skip Unnecessary Painkillers: Dependence on drugs and other supplementary pills for relief and inflammation can slow down your body’s healing process. 
• Do Not Overstrain: Although light exercises are essential to speed up your healing process, overtraining can put a harmful strain on your broken bones, and lead to improperly healed fractures.
• Take Adequate Rest After Your Cast Is Removed: After your cast is removed, it’s critical to avoid any activities that could put undue strain on the healing bones and tissue. Playing contact sports or moving heavy objects is not advised in the first few days after cast removal. 

Healing A Fractured Bone

Although broken bones and their remedies are fairly common, learning to take care of a fracture requires deep knowledge and awareness of the best and worst practices after your bone has suffered a fracture. 

It is equally essential for you to take all the necessary steps even after your cast has been removed. Having a cast on your limbs puts your muscles and bones in a state of immobilisation. Hence, make sure not to jump back into your old lifestyle right after your cast is removed as your body needs time to restore its strength. Some patients might even require physical therapy once their cast is removed. Opting for professional physical therapy can assist you in expanding your range of motion and muscle mass without placing too much strain on your joints. 

Dr Pal advised to always consult with your doctor before taking any steps in the recovery process. He warned, “When your doctor offers a treatment, follow it completely. Changing your treatment plan ahead of time may cause your fracture recovery to be delayed and put you at risk of developing aggravated medical issues.”