Healing from a Broken Bone

Healing from a Broken Bone

Healing from a Broken Bone

A broken bone is not a pleasant experience. Besides the discomfort, it requires careful treatment and leaning on the severity and site of the break, it may also require surgical intervention. However, once you have been provided appropriate care, the therapeutic process can start in earnest, and your body will require as much support in healing as possible. This implies allowing for sufficient rest, nutritional assistance, and lifestyle changes, like quitting tobacco use or bypassing specific actions until after your physician informs you it is okay to resume regular activity.

Bones heal in phases

The foremost thing you need to comprehend is that bones mend in different stages. During the initial phase, your bone, which is a living tissue, develops a blood clot around the impaired ends of the bone. Next, there are distinct cells, called phagocytes (Latin for eating), that the clot contains. These cells pursue and ingest bacteria, tending the bone from the inside. Then, in the second stage, a soft callus, formed primarily out of collagen, is constructed by another distinct set of cells, known as chondroblasts to guard and help mend the broken bone. This stage typically lasts anywhere from four days to a few weeks.

In the third phase, the callus evolves to be much harder and more durable. Next, osteoblasts, or bone-forming cells, produce new bone by adding minerals. This phase begins between six weeks to twelve weeks from the moment of the fracture. Finally, during the very last phase, the bone is buffed and refurbished by cells called osteoclasts, which gradually return the bone to its original shape. Many individuals are oblivious that this unique phase can take three to nine years to complete.

Take action: Supporting bone healing

  • Quit smoking – If you abuse tobacco products, you should immediately quit. Smoking hinders strong bone development and is related to weaker bones, dramatically increasing your odds of another fracture.
  • Calcium and vitamin D – Speak to your healthcare provider about adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet. Supplementing calcium alone might not be sufficient because vitamin D allows you to process calcium within your body. The dose you require depends on your age, gender, and other factors, like current medicines and your general activity level.
  • Exercise properly – Make sure you complete any required physical therapy and speak to your physician about routine exercise. Exercising adds bone mass and improves overall physical health.
  • Consume a balanced diet – Food offers the energy and building blocks your body requires for healing. Spinach, kale, milk, leafy greens, and bell peppers are all fantastic sources of calcium and additional critical bone-building nutrients.
  • Observe the treatment plan drafted by your physician – Always follow all of your physician's directives. Allow your body sufficient rest, as it requires a lot of fuel to reconstruct bone. Never cut off your cast yourself. Be sure to leave it on to help the bones align correctly.

If you or a loved one is healing from or requires treatment for a broken bone or any further bone-related treatment, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained orthopedic specialists. Our orthopedic surgeon in Altamonte Springs is ready to help when surgical intervention is required. We are here for you!