Bone fractures are common injures. Because most people get one at least once in their life, everyone should understand a few things about this injury. Learn a few basic things about fractures below so you can have an informed discussion with your natural medicine team about treating your injury.

Your Natural Medicine Guide to Bone Fractures

What It Is

People often think that a bone fracture is a less severe version of a broken bone, but the two terms are actually interchangeable. A fracture is used to describe any time a bone’s integrity is lost, from hairline cracks to a complete shattering of the bone. The break occurs when a physical force on the bone is stronger than the bone, which damages it.

The Common Types

There are many different types of fractures, but the four most common descriptive words are displaced, non-displaced, open and closed. Displacement refers to whether the bone has maintained proper alignment. When it’s displaced, a bone has snapped and moved so the parts don’t line up straight. Open and closed fractures refer to the skin; an open fracture means that the bone has broken through the skin, and there is a risk of a deep infection. A closed fracture means there is no puncture wound.

Treatment & Recovery

The treatment and recovery period will depend on the type of fracture and your unique health circumstances. If the bone has been displaced, the bone will need to be realigned, either by manually or in an operation where pins and screws are put into place. It will then be put into a cast or brace to hold the bone securely in place while it heals. Recovery in natural medicine can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury and your age or health. 

The team at Ellenburg Center for Natural Medicine practice efficient and reliable natural medicine solutions in Anchorage, AK. Dr. Michael J. Ellenburg is the in-house naturopathic doctor who will work with the team to find a natural remedy. Whether you go to them for a bone fracture or acupuncture, you can expect the highest standard of care and personalized services.  Call (907) 563-2366 to schedule an appointment and visit the practice’s website to read more about the providers.