Five Things You Should Know About Fractures

As you know, athletes have an unyielding drive toward improvement and success. While their determination for achieving such high expectations plays a major role in their performance, making sure their bodies remain healthy is just as important. Today, we are sharing tips about preventing and treating fractures from our friends at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a complete or partial break in bone or cartilage.

How does it occur?

Often times, a fracture can result from a sports injury when an excessive amount of force is placed on the bone, causing it to break or crack. This can occur in one instance or through repetitive trauma to the region over time.

What are the signs and symptoms of a fracture?

How should you treat a fracture?

1. Go to the doctor. Doctors can use an X-ray to see the extent of the injury.
2. Immobilize the injured region via a cast or splint. This helps to keep the bone aligned and allow for proper healing.
3. During this time, it is important for the athlete to geplenty of rest to promote recovery.
4. Maintain a proper and healthy diet to provide bones with the necessary nutrients.
5. Depending on the extent of the injury, the doctor might suggest physical therapy after the fracture has healed. This will help improve the athlete’s strength and range of motion.

How can you prevent a fracture?

The best way to prevent fractures is to have strong, healthy bones. This can be accomplished by:

1. Providing the body with essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. You can find these in:
   • Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs
   • Whole grains: brown rice, cereal, oats
   • Vegetables: broccoli, dark leafy greens
   • Beans: chickpeas, black beans, tofu
   • Alternatives: almonds, soy
2. Exercising, which promotes strong muscles and strong bones, and enhances balance and coordination