Fracture

Definition

A break of any size is called a fracture, which is the same thing as a broken bone.

Symptoms

The signs of a fracture vary. They can be mild, with slight swelling, and pain or they can be severe with intense pain, discomfort, discoloration, severe swelling, and bleeding.

Types

There are two types of fractures; closed and open. Closed fractures do not break the skin’s surface, while open fractures break through the skins tissues exposing bone.

Bone cracks are also categorized according to the type: Easy (broken bone fragments does not pierce the skin), substance (skin is pierced and exposed to microorganisms in the air), transverses (bone breaks all the way through), greenstick (only outer side of bone is actually broken and the break isn’t all the way through), and comminuted fracture (bone is actually shattered in to smaller items).

Note: X-rays are required to verify whether a fracture occurred. In some instances, an MRI may also be required. If a break has occurred, a doctor must properly arrange the bone, and put a cast on it to ensure proper healing. Rehabilitative physical exercise and manual therapy may be recommended by your doctor.

Natural Cures

Diet plan: Eat meals high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens, dairy products, and raw seed and nut products to help your body heal. Avoid extreme consumption of caffeine, steak, all prepared foods, and soda. All of these cause acidity within your body, adding to bone loss and slower healing.

Flower Essences: Rescue Treatment Cream® used topically to the affected area may help speed up the healing process.

Herbal treatments: Drink an infusion of equal parts comfrey leaf and horsetail to speed healing once the fracture has been arranged.

Homeopathy: Calc phos., Symphytum, Ruta grav., Arnica, and Aconite, used alone or in combination with one another, can help recovery to occur.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Nutritional Supplementation: In order to speed your recovery, supplement with calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and zinc oxide. Free-form proteins may also be helpful.

Optional Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of the qualified health professional. The following professional treatments have all been shown to be helpful for treating fractures: Acupressure, Shiatsu Massage, Energy Medicine , Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Oxygen Therapy (Hyperbaric Air Therapy is useful for refractory bone fragments fractures), Prolotherapy, and Reflexology. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)