
Suffering from a broken bone or a fracture can be painful. And older people especially must be careful as their bones tend to become weak and fragile with age. A bone fracture usually happens when there is a high impact on the bones. But, sometimes, it can also occur due to medical conditions, such as osteoporosis.There are different types of fractures like an open fracture, hairline fracture, closed fracture, etc. And, irrespective of the fracture, it is vital that you seek timely medical attention to avoid any complication.Before we get to know about first aid treatment and how to keep bones healthy, let us first understand the essential functions of bones and the factors that impact bone health.
Maintaining bone health is vital as they play the following critical functions:
- Bones store the calcium required for proper functioning of the muscles and nerves.
- They provide structural support to the body and help in easy movement.
- The backbone is vital for protecting the central nervous system.
- The bone marrow plays a critical role in producing the while blood cells.
Factors that affect bone health
- Ageing – one of the critical factors that affect bone health is age. As you grow old, your bones become weaker and fragile.
- Diet – the food that you eat has a massive impact on your bones and overall health condition. Lack of calcium or a low-calcium diet reduces bone density and increases the risk of bone fracture.
- Alcohol and tobacco usage – lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and tobacco usage affect bone density and weakens them.
- Gender – many medical studies have proved that women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis than men.
First Aid for Bone Fracture
If you have a nasty fall or hurt your bones or joints badly, the first thing to do is call for emergency medical help. But, until the doctors or medical help arrive, experts recommend the following first-aid treatment of fracture:
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure on the wound and tie a clean cloth or bandage around to stop the blood flow.
- Don’t try to move the injured area vigorously or try to realign the bone.
- If you have experience shooting pain, you can apply an ice pack. It helps alleviate the pain and reduce swelling.
It is difficult to detect the fracture with the naked eye. The doctors usually recommend diagnostic tests like an X-ray or an MRI scan to determine the type of fracture, diagnose the condition correctly and recommend the right treatment. In most cases, bone fracture leaves the injured area immobilised for about two to eight weeks, and you may need physical need to restore mobility and strength. In rare cases, you may be required to undergo surgery to repair the damaged tissue and skin around the affected area.
How to keep your bone strong and healthy
- Include calcium-rich foods in your daily diet Milk, yogurt, cheese, soy, leafy vegetables, nuts, etc., are all rich sources of calcium. Make sure that you include these food items in your daily diet.
- Get enough Vitamin K. Vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium help your body absorb the calcium from the food you eat. So, it is vital to get these nutrients by eating a healthy and rounded diet, including legumes, vegetables, fruits, seeds, whole grains, etc. Proteins help build the muscles, which keeps the bone healthy.
- Remain active The modern sedentary lifestyle, which includes long hours of sitting in front of the computer, eating junk food, erratic sleeping patterns, is the common cause of the rising number of diseases among youngsters. It is vital that you remain active, and indulge in physical activities like jogging, running, dancing, weight-training, hiking, etc. Exercise improves strength, stamina and reduces the risk of breaking bones.
Purchase a health insurance policy to get financial protection against the treatment of bone fracture expenses
Bone fracture treatment can unexpectedly lead to high expenditure and affect your budget. If you have an elderly member in the family who has joint pain, it could be a symptom of a severe underlying issue, and you may need long-term medical treatment. So, to ensure that you and your family members get the best treatment facility without worrying about the cost involved, it is advisable to purchase a robust health insurance cover.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.

.gif)




.webp)



