top of page

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

medical-practitioner-checking-health-status-patient-blood-pressure-check

FRACTURES

Description

Fractures refer to broken bones, which can result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or underlying health conditions like osteoporosis, especially in older adults. Fractures vary in severity, with symptoms typically including sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the affected area. In some cases, a visible deformity may be present if the bone has shifted out of place. To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tools such as X-rays or CT scans are used to determine the type and extent of the fracture. Treatment ranges from immobilization with casts or splints for minor fractures to surgical intervention for more severe or complex breaks that require realignment or the use of metal rods or plates. Managing fractures involves pain control, proper immobilization, and close monitoring to ensure the bone heals correctly. Timely medical attention is crucial to prevent complications such as impaired function, infection, or long-term deformity, allowing for a full recovery.

Body System

full-length-woman-with-fractured-hand-standing-against-yellow-wall

[1] Omeroğlu S, Erdoğan D, Omeroğlu H. Effects of single high-dose vitamin D3 on fracture healing. An ultrastructural study in healthy guinea pigs. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1997;116(1-2):37-40.
[2] Doetsch AM, Faber J, Lynnerup N, Wätjen I, Bliddal H, Danneskiold-Samsøe B. The effect of calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation on the healing of the proximal humerus fracture: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Calcif Tissue Int. 2004 Sep;75(3):183-8.
[3] Williams K, Askew C, Mazoue C, Guy J, Torres-McGehee TM, Jackson Iii JB. Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Stress Fractures in High-Risk Collegiate Athletes - A Pilot Study. Orthop Res Rev. 2020 Feb 27;12:9-17.
[4] Bergman GJ, Fan T, McFetridge JT, Sen SS. Efficacy of vitamin D3 supplementation in preventing fractures in elderly women: a meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010 May;26(5):1193-201.
[5] Jackson C, Gaugris S, Sen SS, Hosking D. The effect of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) on the risk of fall and fracture: a meta-analysis. QJM. 2007 Apr;100(4):185-92.
[6] Fu L, Tang T, Miao Y, Hao Y, Dai K. Effect of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 on fracture healing and bone remodeling in ovariectomized rat femora. Bone. 2009 May;44(5):893-8.
[7] Trivedi DP, Doll R, Khaw KT. Effect of four monthly oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on fractures and mortality in men and women living in the community: randomised double blind controlled trial. BMJ. 2003 Mar 1;326(7387):469.
[8] Cockayne S, Adamson J, Lanham-New S, Shearer MJ, Gilbody S, Torgerson DJ. Vitamin K and the prevention of fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Jun 26;166(12):1256-61.
[9] Tamura T, Morgan SL, Takimoto H. Vitamin K and the prevention of fractures. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Jan 8;167(1):94; author reply 94-5.
[10] Hao G, Zhang B, Gu M, Chen C, Zhang Q, Zhang G, Cao X. Vitamin K intake and the risk of fractures: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Apr;96(17):e6725.
[11] Iwamoto J, Sato Y, Takeda T, Matsumoto H. High-dose vitamin K supplementation reduces fracture incidence in postmenopausal women: a review of the literature. Nutr Res. 2009 Apr;29(4):221-8.
[12] Gajic-Veljanoski O, Bayoumi AM, Tomlinson G, Khan K, Cheung AM. Vitamin K supplementation for the primary prevention of osteoporotic fractures: is it cost-effective and is future research warranted? Osteoporos Int. 2012 Nov;23(11):2681-92.
[13] Weaver CM, Alexander DD, Boushey CJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Lappe JM, LeBoff MS, Liu S, Looker AC, Wallace TC, Wang DD. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporos Int. 2016 Jan;27(1):367-76.
[14] Zhu K, Prince RL. Calcium and bone. Clin Biochem. 2012 Aug;45(12):936-42.
[15] Murray TM. Prevention and management of osteoporosis: consensus statements from the Scientific Advisory Board of the Osteoporosis Society of Canada. 4. Calcium nutrition and osteoporosis. CMAJ. 1996 Oct 1;155(7):935-9.
[16] Gennari C. Calcium and vitamin D nutrition and bone disease of the elderly. Public Health Nutr. 2001 Apr;4(2B):547-59.
[17] Tang BM, Eslick GD, Nowson C, Smith C, Bensoussan A. Use of calcium or calcium in combination with vitamin D supplementation to prevent fractures and bone loss in people aged 50 years and older: a meta-analysis. Lancet. 2007 Aug 25;370(9588):657-66.
[18] Lei M, Hua LM, Wang DW. The effect of probiotic treatment on elderly patients with distal radius fracture: a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. Benef Microbes. 2016 Nov 30;7(5):631-637.
[19] Collins FL, Rios-Arce ND, Schepper JD, Parameswaran N, McCabe LR. The Potential of Probiotics as a Therapy for Osteoporosis. Microbiol Spectr. 2017 Aug;5(4).
[20] Chen JF, Zhuang Y, Jin SB, Zhang SL, Yang WW. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) restores intestinal dysbacteriosis to alleviate upregulated inflammatory cytokines triggered by femoral diaphyseal fracture in adolescent rodent model. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2021 Jan;25(1):376-389.
[21] Roberts JL, Liu G, Darby TM, Fernandes LM, Diaz-Hernandez ME, Jones RM, Drissi H. Bifidobacterium adolescentis supplementation attenuates fracture-induced systemic sequelae. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Dec;132:110831.
[22] Sapra L, Dar HY, Bhardwaj A, Pandey A, Kumari S, Azam Z, Upmanyu V, Anwar A, Shukla P, Mishra PK, Saini C, Verma B, Srivastava RK. Lactobacillus rhamnosus attenuates bone loss and maintains bone health by skewing Treg-Th17 cell balance in Ovx mice. Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 19;11(1):1807.
[23] Conly JM, Stein K. The production of menaquinones (vitamin K2) by intestinal bacteria and their role in maintaining coagulation homeostasis. Prog Food Nutr Sci. 1992 Oct-Dec;16(4):307-43.
[24] Conly JM, Stein K, Worobetz L, Rutledge-Harding S. The contribution of vitamin K2 (menaquinones) produced by the intestinal microflora to human nutritional requirements for vitamin K. Am J Gastroenterol. 1994 Jun;89(6):915-23.
[25] Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Noale M, Vaona A, Demurtas J, Maggi S. Dietary magnesium intake and fracture risk: data from a large prospective study. Br J Nutr. 2017 Jun;117(11):1570-1576.
[26] Hori M, Yasuda K, Takahashi H, Yamazaki C, Morozumi K, Maruyama S. Impact of serum magnesium and bone mineral density on systemic fractures in chronic hemodialysis patients. PLoS One. 2021 May 20;16(5):e0251912.
[27] Groenendijk I, van Delft M, Versloot P, van Loon LJC, de Groot LCPGM. Impact of magnesium on bone health in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone. 2022 Jan;154:116233.
[28] Farsinejad-Marj M, Saneei P, Esmaillzadeh A. Dietary magnesium intake, bone mineral density and risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2016 Apr;27(4):1389-1399.
[29] Kunutsor SK, Whitehouse MR, Blom AW, Laukkanen JA. Low serum magnesium levels are associated with increased risk of fractures: a long-term prospective cohort study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2017 Jul;32(7):593-603.
[30] Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Tartara A, Gasparri C, Perna S, Infantino V, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Peroni G. An update on magnesium and bone health. Biometals. 2021 Aug;34(4):715-736.
[31] Martin KR. Silicon: the health benefits of a metalloid. Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:451-73.
[32] Jugdaohsingh R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007;11(2):99-110.
[33] Price CT, Koval KJ, Langford JR. Silicon: a review of its potential role in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Int J Endocrinol. 2013;2013:316783.
[34] Beeram I, Mortensen SJ, Yeritsyan D, Momenzadeh K, von Keudell A, Nazarian A. Multivitamins and risk of fragility hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Osteoporos. 2021 Feb 11;16(1):29.
[35] Wang SM, Yin LY, Zhang Y, Fan JH, Chang IJ, Dawsey SM, Taylor PR, Abnet CC, Qiao YL. Multivitamin and mineral supplementation is associated with the reduction of fracture risk and hospitalization rate in Chinese adult males: a randomized controlled study. J Bone Miner Metab. 2015 May;33(3):294-302.
[36] Karpouzos A, Diamantis E, Farmaki P, Savvanis S, Troupis T. Nutritional Aspects of Bone Health and Fracture Healing. J Osteoporos. 2017;2017:4218472.
[37] Grieger JA, Nowson CA, Jarman HF, Malon R, Ackland LM. Multivitamin supplementation improves nutritional status and bone quality in aged care residents. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Apr;63(4):558-65.
[38] Khadilkar A, Kadam N, Chiplonkar S, Fischer PR, Khadilkar V. School-based calcium-vitamin D with micronutrient supplementation enhances bone mass in underprivileged Indian premenarchal girls. Bone. 2012 Jul;51(1):1-7.
[39] Hreha J, Wey A, Cunningham C, Krell ES, Brietbart EA, Paglia DN, Montemurro NJ, Nguyen DA, Lee YJ, Komlos D, Lim E, Benevenia J, O'Connor JP, Lin SS. Local manganese chloride treatment accelerates fracture healing in a rat model. J Orthop Res. 2015 Jan;33(1):122-30.
[40] Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Aug;14(4):35-48.
[41] Hadidi L, Ge S, Comeau-Gauthier M, Ramirez-Garcia Luna J, Harvey EJ, Merle G. Local Delivery of Therapeutic Boron for Bone Healing Enhancement. J Orthop Trauma. 2021 May 1;35(5):e165-e170.
[42] Zofková I, Nemcikova P, Matucha P. Trace elements and bone health. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2013 Aug;51(8):1555-61.
[43] Elmståhl S, Gullberg B, Janzon L, Johnell O, Elmståhl B. Increased incidence of fractures in middle-aged and elderly men with low intakes of phosphorus and zinc. Osteoporosis international. 1998 Aug;8:333-40.
[44] Igarashi A, Yamaguchi M. Increase in bone protein components with healing rat fractures: enhancement by zinc treatment. International journal of molecular medicine. 1999 Dec 1;4(6):615-35.
[45] Kafadar İH, Yalçın Y, Çakar B. Vitamin D3 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on fracture union in an experimental rat model. Joint Diseases and Related Surgery. 2024 Jan;35(1):121.
[46] Orchard TS, Pan X, Cheek F, Ing SW, Jackson RD. A systematic review of omega-3 fatty acids and osteoporosis. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 Jun;107(S2):S253-60.
[47] Irban A, Uslu S, Gereli A, Aydinlar EI, Karyemez PE, Luleci N, Suyen GG. The effect of ozone therapy on experimental bone fracture healing in rats. International Research Journal of Public and Environmental Health. 2015 Oct.
[48] Alan H, Vardi N, Özgür C, Hüseyin A, Yolcu Ü, Dogan DO. Comparison of the effects of low-level laser therapy and ozone therapy on bone healing. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Jul 1;26(5):e396-400.
[49] Ebrahimi T, Moslemi N, Rokn AR, Heidari M, Nokhbatolfoghahaie H, Fekrazad R. The influence of low-intensity laser therapy on bone healing. Journal of Dentistry (Tehran, Iran). 2012;9(4):238.
[50] Ribeiro LN, de Figueiredo FA, da Silva Mira PC, Arnez MF, Matsumoto MA, de Menezes LM, Küchler EC, Stuani MB. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) improves alveolar bone healing in rats. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022 Mar;37(2):961-9.

1. Vitamin D3/K2: Vitamin D3 improves calcium and phosphorus absorption, while K2 regulates bone mineralization by activating proteins that integrate calcium into the bone matrix. Together, they support bone healing and recovery after fractures.

2. Probiotics: Probiotics support bone health by promoting better nutrient absorption, including calcium and magnesium, which are crucial for bone repair. Additionally, they help reduce inflammation, which may aid in faster fracture recovery.

3. Electrolyte Blend: Electrolyte blend containing calcium, magnesium, and silica provides essential minerals for fracture healing. Calcium supports bone rebuilding, magnesium maintains bone structure, and silica enhances bone mineral density, helping to speed up recovery.

4. Multivitamins: Multivitamins with minerals like boron and manganese support fracture recovery by enhancing bone mineral density and aiding in collagen formation, essential for bone strength and repair.

5. Zinc: Zinc supports collagen synthesis, which is critical for maintaining bone structure and aiding in the recovery process after a fracture. Adequate zinc intake accelerates healing by promoting tissue repair.

6. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation around the fracture site, helping to accelerate bone healing. By promoting tissue repair and reducing swelling, Omega-3s contribute to a quicker recovery process.

No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.

No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.

1. Ozone IV: Ozone IV therapy may enhance bone healing by improving oxygenation and stimulating cellular repair processes, offering potential benefits in fracture recovery, though it remains an experimental treatment requiring further study.

2. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy, specifically low-level laser therapy, stimulates cellular activity and blood circulation, potentially accelerating bone regeneration and fracture healing. Although promising, more human studies are needed to confirm its full efficacy.

Supplements

Plant Extracts

Natural Compounds

Alternative Treatments

Symptoms & Signs

Causes

Injury, Fall, Osteoporosis, Weak Bones, Nutritional Deficiencies

Books That You May Want To Read

How Nutrients Function

Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.


Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.


Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.


Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.


Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.

Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide

Podcast Episodes To Listen To

Educational Videos To Learn From

Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider

References

Things To Do

If you have a broken limb or any other part of your body, there are some things you can do to speed up your recovery. These include:


  • eating a whole-foods-based diet rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, and fatty acids.

  • Consuming foods high in calcium, such as leafy greens, dairy products, broccoli, nuts, seeds, etc.

  • Consuming foods containing boron [boron promotes calcium uptake], such as leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, etc.

  • including foods rich in magnesium [magnesium is necessary to balance the uptake of calcium], such as leafy greens, beans, bananas, nuts, seeds, etc.

  • eating foods high in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberrries, citrus fruit, kiwis, etc.

  • including foods containing zinc, such as shellfish, fish, legumes, eggs, meat, nuts, seeds, etc.

  • drinking bone broth, which is high in collagen.

  • eating raw pineapple for its content of bromelain. Bromelain is known to reduce swelling and inflammation.

  • consuming foods that combat inflammation, such as turmeric, garlic, and polyphenol-rich colorful vegetables and fruit.


Furthermore, to ensure proper recovery, try:


  • getting enough rest and sleep.

  • creating a safe home environment, such as wearing nonslippery slippers, taping down the carpets to the floor, installing easy-to-grab handles in the bathroom, etc.

  • asking for help with everyday chores.

  • getting daily fresh air [if you are not bed-bound].

Things To Avoid

At the same time, try to avoid the following:


  • processed, junk, and fast foods.

  • processed and packaged foods containing food preservatives. They are high in added phosphorus, which can contribute to bone loss.

  • processed foods, which induce acidosis in the body. Acidosis disrupts calcium homeostasis, which further impacts bone health. The alkalinity of fresh fruit and vegetables can help counteract these effects.

  • sugar in foods, candy, and beverages.

  • high sodium intake, which may interfere with calcium homeostasis.

  • alcohol, and caffeine.

  • medications that contribute to bone loss. These include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), thiazolidinediones (TZDs), anticonvulsants, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), hormone deprivation therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, chemotherapies, and anticoagulants.

  • smoking.

bottom of page