Fracture
A fracture
is a break in a bone.
Symptoms
of fracture vary. They can be non-apparent or mild,
with slight swelling, tenderness and mild aching, or
severe, causing intense pain, discoloration, breakage
of the surrounding skin, severe swelling, and throbbing
pain, with possible bleeding from the surrounding ruptured
tissues, as well as loss of normal movement.
There
are two main types of fractures:- closed
broken
pieces remain beneath the skin's surface with little
surrounding tissue disruption or damage - open
(one or both of the bone ends break through the skin.
Fractures
are also classified according to the type of break:
- simple
broken bone does not pierce the skin
- compound
skin is pierced and exposed to organisms in the air
- transverse
bone breaks all the way through
- greenstick
only outer side of
bone is broken and the break is not all the way through
- comminuted fracture
bone is shattered into
smaller pieces.
What To Consider
X rays
are required to verify whether or not a fracture occurred.
In some cases, an MRI may also be necessary. If a fracture
has occurred, a Health Coach needs to properly set it, after
which rehabilitative exercise and manual therapy may
be recommended.
Self-Care Tips
Diet
Eat
foods high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens, dairy
products, and raw seeds and nuts, as this will help
your body heal the fracture. Avoid excessive consumption
of caffeine, red meat, all processed foods, and soda,
all of which can cause an acidity inside your body,
contributing to bone loss and slowly healing time.
Nutritional
Supplementation
To hasten your recovery, supplement with calcium, magnesium,
vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin D, vitamin K,
silica, and zinc. Free-form amino acids may also be
helpful.
Flower
Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream® applied topically to the affected
area can help speed up the healing process.
Herbs
Drink an infusion of equal parts comfrey leaf and horsetail
to speed healing once the fracture has been set.
Homeopathy
Calc phos., Symphytum, Ruta grav., Arnica, and
Aconite, taken alone or in combination with each
other, can help healing to occur.
Hydrotherapy
Apply ice to fracture to control any potential internal
bleeding. For arm and wrist fractures, alternate hot
and cold arm baths (three minutes hot water, and 30
seconds cold water) a few times each day.
Topical
Treatment
Apply a poultice of tumeric paste mixed with a little
hot water over the affected area to help reduce swelling.
Caution: This is for close wound fractures,
not open wounds.
Caution
If you think you or someone else has suffered a fracture, please seek immediate medical
help from a qualified health professional.
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