What can you do if you break a bone? How can you help your body heal most efficiently? Last week, I broke my left shoulder in a bike accident and researched and dug deep to get a good list to follow. If you’re following my osteoporosis diet already, most of these will already be covered.
Check out these top 10 ways to speed the healing of a fracture!
1) No drinking.
It is best to abstain from alcohol while healing a broken bone. To heal properly, bone cells must first form a ‘matrix,’ which later hardens or ossifies into bone. Alcohol consumption changes the makeup of this matrix by hindering the formation of osteoblasts and decreasing their ability to respond to signals that normally trigger bone formation after a fracture.
2) No smoking.
Patients who smoke, have a much longer average time to healing, and a much higher risk of developing a nonunion (non-healing of the bone). Smoking alters the blood flow to bone, and it is that blood flow that delivers the necessary nutrients and cells to allow the bone to heal.
3) Eliminate caffeine.
Coffee, colas, and other caffeinated drinks increase the rate of calcium loss through the urine, and you need that calcium for bone building!
4) Eat a balanced diet that includes the recommended amount of calcium.
For a quick listing of great foods for encouraging bone health, check out my article, “Top 10 Bone-Building Foods.” For a more extensive listing, see the “Foundations” category of this website.
5) Follow doctor’s orders concerning your treatment plan.
*If you are told to use crutches, use them.
*If you are told to rest the injury, rest it.
*If you are told to move the joint to restore full mobility, move it!
*If physical therapy is scheduled, follow through with it!
6) Don’t overdo!
You may feel better on some days than others, but you still need to pace yourself to conserve the energy resources you body needs to use for healing.
7) Stay happy!
Read engaging books, watch comedies and movies with happy endings, call or e-mail an encouraging friend, pet your dog or cat. Simple joys can create happy moments while healing.
Take prescribed pain medications when you need them.
There’s nothing heroic about suffering when you don’t need to! On the other hand, foregoing pain meds can sometimes help you focus on the injury so that you can move carefully and protect the bone and affected muscles and joints. You are the best judge of what your body needs. If you need relief from the pain for a time, don’t hesitate to give yourself a break!
9) Do something for someone else.
Look around an you will find others with needs. Doing something to help them will take you out of yourself and your situation, and it will lighten their load–and yours! There may be something you can do physically, even with your current limitations. But even if you can’t move, you can listen to others. You can pray for them. Your time of healing can become a time of healing for them, too!
10) Bless others by opening your heart to receive their help.
If you refuse to allow friends and family to help you for fear of being a “burden” or for fear of losing your independence, you are robbing them of the blessing and happiness they would experience by giving of themselves to you. Why not let them, instead, be a source of joy and comfort to you? Love makes the world go ’round, they say. Giving and receiving love in service to one another transforms our lives into a fulfilling, heart-warming adventure!
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Tags: broken bone, fracture, osteoporosis, pain medication
54 Comments on Top 10 Ways to Heal a Broken Bone FASTER!
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I fractured my 5th metatarsal over 9 weeks ago, I did refuse a cast and was put in a boot, using one crutch and weight through my heel. I got a CT scan this week and there is not one sign of healing, I do drink and smoke and have stopped this week. I am going into a hard cast also with strict nonweightbearing, had I listened to my doctor in the first place, I would probably be starting physical therapy at this point…..love your pointers, hoping to not have to get a plate and screws!
I broke my femur and have a rod in my leg. Also cracked my shoulder about 6 weeks ago.
My mates party is coming up And I was wondering would it affect my healing if a had a little to drink?
Probably. But if it’s only for one night, the body will do its best to overcome the setback as quickly as possible. From what I have read, James, it’s the persistent onslaught of alcohol from chronic drinking that keeps bones from healing, not an occasional drink. Just the same, why would you chance it? Why not drink something that helps to heal the bones instead, such as water with lemon? You could dress up your drink by throwing in a maraschino cherry, and no one would be the wiser. Or how about a glass of tomato juice? It might look like a Bloody Mary, but your bones will appreciate the alkaline difference.
Sounds like you’re now on the right track for healing! I’ll keep you in prayer for a complete recovery. If it turns out that you do need surgery, I suggest that you read Eunice Cottrill’s posts on “Top 10 Tips for Surviving a Shoulder Fracture” on this website. Her story is an inspiration! Please let us know how you’re doing as your healing progresses.
God bless you,
Kathy