It takes time to repair (heal) a broken bone, and several people do not want to be careful! Healing a fractured bone is a multi-factor mechanism involving patient age, physical wellbeing, diet, bone blood supply, and care efficiency.

Fractures are very common and usually heal within three months. The repair process takes place in three stages: 1) an inflammatory response necessary for the formation of granulation tissue; 2) a repair phase involving the periosteum and resulting in the formation of a soft callus, and 3) a remodeling phase where a lamellar bone will replace the bone callus. Consolidation is delayed if it does not take place within three to six months (5-10% of fractures).

Bone consolidation takes place in four stages – hematoma formation, cell growth, callus formation, and ossification. You can understand all of this in this video: Understanding the Fracture and the Consolidation Process

Here are a few tips for healing your fractures

1. Stop smoking

Some of the suggestions may be controversial. However, it is demonstrated scientifically that smoking patients have a much longer than average healing time and a much higher risk for non-union (bone not healing) development.

Smoking impairs blood flow to the bone, knowing that it is the blood that provides the oxygen and nutrients needed to repair damaged tissue. We invite you to read: Why cigarettes are harmful for your bones?

2. Adequate rest

Adequate rest allows the body to mobilize all the elements necessary to fight against stress and promote healing. Rest allows the body to produce cells and tissues faster.

3. Eat a balanced diet

Healing or consolidating fractured bone requires more nutrients than a normal bone maintenance process. Patients with fractures should eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutritional intake from all nutrient food groups.

A balanced diet plan for fractured patients that is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin C is necessary to promote bone healing. Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits in particular.

4. Avoid excessive consumption of Calcium supplements

It is true that calcium is necessary to promote bone consolidation, but by taking excessive doses of calcium, you are putting yourself at risk without promoting the healing of the fracture.

Make sure you are getting the recommended dose of calcium, and try to get more of the natural calcium found in your daily diet. Taking mega-doses of calcium does not help a speedy recovery.

5. Adhere to your doctor’s treatment protocol

If your doctor recommends treatment (plaster, surgery, discharge, crutches, etc.), you must comply with this. Changing treatment or failing to follow medical instructions before your due date may delay your recovery.

Your doctor should ensure the proper alignment of your fractured bone. When there is a good reduction, or adequate alignment of the ends of the broken bone is adequate, healing is rapid.

Removing a cast or stepping on a fractured bone before your doctor allows it, you risk making your health situation worse and going on to dreadful complications.

6. Stimulation of the bone

 The elderly or those who cannot heal quickly may have what is called a “Nonunion,” a fracture that does not heal. In the case of a non-union, the bones do not generate enough cartilage around the fracture. Depending on where you live and your social coverage, bone stimulation options are available: low-intensity electrical stimulators, pulsed ultrasound, and shock waves (that, for having done it, is horrible but very effective).

As my doctor said, surely the electrical stimulator is a little too extreme for our kinds of injuries, as it involves implanting electrodes.

Pulsed ultrasound simulates micro stresses as the shock waves create an electric wave focusing on the fracture.