A break in a bone, generally caused by a fall. The bone usually breaks horizontally, but it can also fracture lengthwise, diagonally, or in a spiral. Women with osteoporosis are more susceptible to fractures than others.

Treatment

A person with a suspected fracture should be taken to hospital immediately. If they cannot walk, call in ambulance. While awaiting medical care, prepare an ice pack by filling a plastic bag with ice or wrapping a packet of frozen peas in kitchen roll and placing it on the fracture to reduce swelling. Do not try to move the broken bone or push it back in place.

Dietary

To help build new bone cells:Increase your intake of calcium: add non fat milk to sauces, milkshakes, casseroles, and soups, eat plenty of pulses, leafy green vegetables, and yogurt. Increase intake of phosphorus, found in red meat, organ meats, poultry, fish and eggs. Increase intake of magnesium, found in nuts, cooked dried beans and peas, wholegrain breads and cereals, dark green leafy vegetables and seafood. Increase intake of vitamin A, found in eggs, liver, butter, milk and cod liver oil.

Homeopathy

For shock following a fracture: Arnica 6c, every 10 minutes up to 3 doses. For bruising around fracture: Arnica 6c, 3 times daily for 3 days and repeat if needed. To aid bone repair: Symphytum 6c, twice daily for 2 weeks.

Bach Flower Remedies

Rescue Remedy is useful in treating shock.

Professional Help

Osteopathy and chiropractic help restore muscle and ligament activity after a fracture. Physiotherapy and massage can also help.

Orthodox

After initial pain relief or anesthetic, x-rays are taken, the broken bones are put back in position and immobilized by means of a bandage, sling or plaster to allow healing, which may take between 2 weeks and 6 months, depending on the age of the patient and the bone broken.