A lot of people deal with fractures on daily basis. Broken bones are extremely painful and take time to heal. Fractures mostly occur as a consequence of an accident or sports injury. A minor amount of fractures result from a defect in the bone density. They are known as pathological fractures.
What are Bone Fractures?
Fractures are a break or a crack in the continuity of the bone due to an external force which occurs with great intensity. Pathological fractures occur with minimal trauma due to a defect in the bone as a result of some other underlying disease such as osteoporosis, bone cancer or osteogenesis imperfect. A fracture is diagnosed by certain signs and symptoms such as:
- A fracture may cause an external deformity, with the inability to move the affected part.
- There might be an open wound, swelling, redness, tenderness and intense pain.
- Also, other symptoms such as numbness and tingling may arise.
- Other damage caused to tissues that are nearby might give rise to other symptoms.
3 Stages of Bone healing?
Our body is perfectly designed to heal and repair itself from any form of trauma. Healing begins right from the time the part is injured but might take several months to heal and even beyond that. The stages in which healing occur are:
- Reactive phase: This process begins as soon as injury takes place due to the plethora of blood to the local area there is a formation of a hematoma that is responsible for the swelling that occurs as soon as the bone is broken. The body reacts immediately and causes the blood vessels to constrict. This phase is further divided into 2 phases i.e. fracture and inflammatory phase and granulation tissue formation.
- Reparative phase: This stage is further divided into two stages i.e. Cartilage callus formation and Lamellar bone deposition. Formation of a soft callus- The healing process requires certain chemicals known as cytokines that aid in the formation of healthy granulation tissue which is a sign of healing. The periosteal bone cells proximal to the fracture develop into cartilage-forming cells (chondroblasts) which forms hyaline cartilage. And the periosteal bone cells that are distal to the fracture develop into osteoblasts which form the bone. The osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of the new bone known as the lamellar bone. Gradually, the formation of trabecular bone takes place which tries to bring back the original strength of the bone.
- Remodelling: The trabecular bone is now replaced with a compact, solidified bone. The newly formed bone tries to replicate the original bone. This can process can take place from anywhere between 3-5 years.
Healing of Bone Fractures
Bone healing occurs naturally by itself. Fractures are treated to restore the functioning of the part as effectively as it was prior to the fracture.
- The main focus of treatment and first aid is immobilization.
- Orthopedicians align the broken ends of the bone by a process known as fracture reduction so that the bone healing is enhanced followed by immobilization of the limb.
- Immobilization is done by plasters, metal plates and screws, intramedullary nails and external fixators. This is done for about 2-8 weeks depending on the factors that affect healing.
Prevention of Bone Fractures
- Intake of Calcium is required for healthy and strong bones coupled with Vitamin D that is required for the absorption of this Calcium. Calcium-rich foods are Milk, cheese, curds and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D can be derived from exposure to sunlight, eating eggs and oily fish.
- Physical activity is required to strengthen the bones. The more weight-bearing exercises you do the stronger will be your bones.
- Stop smoking as it causes weak bones
- Postmenopausal women have weaker bones due to the reduction of the female hormone that regulates calcium levels (estrogen). Hence these women must be more careful and follow good diet and exercise.
Treating the condition
Doliosis D48 Fracto Heal is a Homoeopathic product that will accelerate healing of the fractured bones by reuniting them. Its ingredients are known for properties that help in pain reduction, reducing swelling and redness of fractured parts. This product has no side effects and is easy to consume. It can be taken with other medicines, for all age groups.