Bone healing occurs when new tissue cells and blood vessels generate to bond to the ends of the original bone. Splints or casts are used to immobilize and support the bone during the healing process. Calcium-rich foods can accelerate cellular repair.
Bone healing is the process by which bones repair themselves from fractures and bruises. In most cases, bone tissue heals itself and repairs itself by generating new tissue cells and blood vessels; the new tissue is able to bond to the ends of the original bone to form a complete new unit. In the case of broken bones, if the break is not set properly, the tissue can connect unevenly and lead to permanent damage and uneven bone growth. Bone fractures are usually classified as complete, which indicates a complete break, or greenstick, which is when the bone is broken but not completely broken. A comminuted fracture occurs when bone is broken or crushed in more than one place, and bone healing for this type of injury often takes much longer.
In many cases of a complete fracture, it is necessary to splint or apply a cast to the broken bone to ensure uniform cellular repair. A splint is used to partially immobilize and support bone during the bone healing process. In the stick frame, the splints are usually made of steel or fiberglass and are usually secured to the injured area using Velcro® straps. A cast is typically made of plaster that completely wraps around the injured bone to support and immobilize it from all sides. The duration of treatment for both casts and splints varies depending on the severity of the break and the location of the bone within the skeletal structure.
Not all bone fractures require casts or splints to heal. Because of their location within the body, some bones, such as those that make up the rib cage, are usually left to heal on their own. When it is not possible or practical to cast or splint broken bones, doctors may choose other methods to offer support and help reduce stress during healing. They may wrap the area in a supportive bandage and recommend limited mobility. In many cases, bones that are not splinted or in a cast may take longer to heal, so prescription pain medications can be given for extended periods.
Bone healing often takes many weeks to complete, but in some cases cellular repair can be accelerated by incorporating calcium-rich foods into the daily diet. Some calcium-rich foods are dairy products, dark green vegetables, and soybeans. Additionally, some seafood such as salmon and sardines are also considered to be excellent natural sources of calcium.
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