7 tips to help you heal (faster) a bone fracture

It can happen to anyone, a broken bone. It could be in the finger or in the leg, no matter where a bone fracture usually hurts, and if it does not heal properly it can bring repercussions for the rest of our lives.

Fortunately, medical technology can help us a lot when it comes to broken bones. Not only can the severity of the bone fracture be known (whether the bone is out of place or broken into multiple pieces), but the healing process can also be monitored through diagnostic imaging.

The bad? Broken bones take a long time to heal

Bones provide us with form and function, they give us protection and a healthy source of stem cells to replace old cells when they reach their limit of function. There are 206 bones in the adult human body, and when healthy, they are as strong as granite (ounce for ounce) in weight bearing.

But, like all parts of the human body, bones are not infallible. Sometimes a direct blow or injury can cause a fracture. A minor bone fracture may take about 6 weeks to heal, however, a larger bone fracture may take 3-4 months. Some bones, depending on where they are or how damaged they are, also require months of physical therapy after the healing process to fully recover.

So how can you help your broken bone heal faster?

There is no “magic potion” that will make your bone heal in half the time, however, here are some tips to give your bone the best chance of healing in the shortest amount of time;

Make Sure You’re Eating The Right Amount Of Calories

It may not seem like it, but your body is using a lot of energy to repair the broken bone, in fact, a severely broken bone could require up to 6,000 calories a day to heal!

Increase Your Protein Intake

Bone health isn’t normally associated with protein, but when it comes to helping a broken bone heal, this is an area you need to pay attention to. Bones are made of “living” protein, and depriving your body of protein during the healing process will result in soft bone callus, rather than the stiffness needed for bone strength.

Take Calcium And Lysine Supplements

Calcium is essential for bone health, however, if your body isn’t getting the right amino acids, it’s not going to be as productive as it could be. Lysine is extremely important when it comes to calcium absorption, so make sure you include it in your diet.

Increases Antioxidants

This is the time to start eating foods rich in antioxidants. Not only is it important to include antioxidants to promote cellular health, they are also important in reducing inflammation at the rupture site. The swelling can continue for weeks after the initial injury, and until the swelling subsides, the healing process will not 100% begin.

Make Sure You Get Enough Vitamins And Minerals

Although calcium is a necessity, experts say that most people are deficient in essential minerals, even when they are healthy. Make sure you get enough calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and silicon. Like minerals, certain vitamins can help a broken bone heal faster. Make sure you get enough vitamins K, C, B6, and D.

Take Into Account Natural Aids

Although not approved by western medicine, there are some herbal remedies to help speed bone healing. Among these herbs are arnica, wild comfrey, horsetail, and burdock leaves. Consult a specialist before using any of these suggestions.

Exercise

Of course, there are things you can and can’t do with a broken bone (4), but if you’re able to move without the risk of displacing the bone, you should. Being active promotes blood flow and therefore speeds healing.

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