Remedies for broken bones?
hannahcall2
Posts: 175 Member
Recently I found out that the ball of my foot has been broken for over a year. I've gotten so many mixed messages for how to help it heal and I wish someone would just be plain and forward. As you can imagine I'm kind of "over" having a bum foot that has kept me from freely doing a lot of my favorite activities.
I'm not disregarding these as viable options but so far (over the past many months) I have had no luck with walking boots, crutches, and even being non weight bearing seemed to aggravate it. Its a frustrating balance between not doing to little and not doing to much. I would love to know what other people have done that has worked. Any suggestions?
I'm not disregarding these as viable options but so far (over the past many months) I have had no luck with walking boots, crutches, and even being non weight bearing seemed to aggravate it. Its a frustrating balance between not doing to little and not doing to much. I would love to know what other people have done that has worked. Any suggestions?
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Replies
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umm... have you considered going to the doctor?0
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Um, I assumed this was diagnosed by x-ray? Ordered by... a doctor? What did the doctor recommend?
I understand not doctoring up for a broken toe, but this?0 -
BecomingBane wrote: »umm... have you considered going to the doctor?
Gotta be honest, that was my first thought as well...0 -
Literally no-one can give meaningful advice based on the scant history provided.
What did you damage in the ball of your foot? How was the injury assessed? By who? What was the official diagnosis? Were you given a rehab plan? Did you follow it? How completely did you follow it? How did your symptoms progress?
Given the symptoms have been ongoing for over a year I doubt you will find a nice, easy solution on here but some people may at least be able to point you in the right direction.
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Haha yes I've had my bout of doctors. X-rays, MRI's, the most honest thing I got from all of the was "well that is just an unlucky bone to break". As you can imagine it's not the most helpful advice. Pretty much they said try these things and see what helps. So far no luck
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Not impossible that she has gone to the doctor and what she's already tried were the doctor's suggestions.
I know someone that had a similarly stubborn injury - went through 3-4 treatment options of increasing immobility and none of them worked. If I remember correctly, I think he finally had to insist on seeing a specialist who insisted on surgery (and evidently had a few choice words about the previous doc's advice).
OP, if you're not seeing a doc, get yourself to one. If you are, insist on a specialist and make sure you're getting appropriately knowledgeable advice.0 -
This is not something a special exercise or food will help. You need medical intervention. If you try to "fix" it on your own the bone could die (I've known it to happen) which requires extensive surgeries and having to have a cadaver bone replacement.0
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It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.
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Not impossible that she has gone to the doctor and what she's already tried were the doctor's suggestions.
I know someone that had a similarly stubborn injury - went through 3-4 treatment options of increasing immobility and none of them worked. If I remember correctly, I think he finally had to insist on seeing a specialist who insisted on surgery (and evidently had a few choice words about the previous doc's advice).
OP, if you're not seeing a doc, get yourself to one. If you are, insist on a specialist and make sure you're getting appropriately knowledgeable advice.
We talked about surgery too. He said the only surgery they could perform was to actually remove the bone. Definitely my last resort.
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hannahcall2 wrote: »It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.
I don't think there is unfortunately. If I get an opportunity I will check with one of the orthopods I know professionally but barring surgery it is a wait and see job.
I presume you have tried methods to take weight bearing off the bone as much as possible to allow it to heal?0 -
Yes. The doctor said even with the boot it would be difficult to take the pressure entirely off it because it's sub a key part of the foot. I noticed when wearing it that it caused me greater pain than my regular shoes. I opted for crutches which also made my foot ache, but I timed it with anti-inflammatories to help. I would like to be med free though if possible. Especially when it's healing at such a slow rate.0
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I'm so sorry you're going through that - how horrible!0
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I just recovered from a broken foot - a metatarsal break. It took me longer than expected. Here are my suggestions: 1. Stay off your foot and keep it elevated, as much as possible. Simple, but it helps. 2. Get a great ice wrap you can use frequently when you elevate. 3. Start swimming, if you don't already. I was able to swim a few weeks after the break and it provided the activity I was missing. You can also try walking in the water for exercise. Another good option is doing some upper body weight lifting, but avoid things where you are standing with extra weights. Spinning or cycling was also an alternative to running and walking. 4. I started taking some good calcium supplements. 5. A younger friend said she had also made and consumed "bone broth" after a foot break. Check the Whole 30 cookbook or website for recipe. It's healthy and can't hurt. 6. Consider turning your energy to improving your nutrition. I'm a Whole 30 fan. A new nutrition plan can help distract you while keeping your weight down. In conclusion, I must say I didn't follow all of these tips and ended up with 10 extra pounds that I'm working on now. I did find that after the doctor said the bone was pretty much healed, I started working out with a trainer doing weights, which was great rehab. I regained balance and tone, and now can start doing some running.0
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Have you tried comfrey tea with calcium tablets? There is limited research out there that suggests (SUGGESTS) that drinking comfrey tea can help aid bone healing (mainly due to the fact that waaaaaaaaaay back in the day, comfrey was the go-to herbal for setting bones). I would recommend the following website:
http://gilliansherbs.com/healing-fractured-bones
However, +1 for doctor's advice/recommendations. AND, make sure you check with your doctor before adding an herbal supplement or any other remedies. Swimming could be a great way to stay active without too much bother or weight bearing activity--ask your doctor. Good Luck!!0 -
I just recovered from a broken foot - a metatarsal break. It took me longer than expected. Here are my suggestions: 1. Stay off your foot and keep it elevated, as much as possible. Simple, but it helps. 2. Get a great ice wrap you can use frequently when you elevate. 3. Start swimming, if you don't already. I was able to swim a few weeks after the break and it provided the activity I was missing. You can also try walking in the water for exercise. Another good option is doing some upper body weight lifting, but avoid things where you are standing with extra weights. Spinning or cycling was also an alternative to running and walking. 4. I started taking some good calcium supplements. 5. A younger friend said she had also made and consumed "bone broth" after a foot break. Check the Whole 30 cookbook or website for recipe. It's healthy and can't hurt. 6. Consider turning your energy to improving your nutrition. I'm a Whole 30 fan. A new nutrition plan can help distract you while keeping your weight down. In conclusion, I must say I didn't follow all of these tips and ended up with 10 extra pounds that I'm working on now. I did find that after the doctor said the bone was pretty much healed, I started working out with a trainer doing weights, which was great rehab. I regained balance and tone, and now can start doing some running.
Thanks! I have actually been accomplishing through #3. I feel like I just got the rest of the handbook. And yes those blasted 10 pounds have found me. Definitely changing my focus from my aggravating lack of exercise to my diet would be the next best thing I could do while I rest my foot.0 -
You have my sympathy, because I had exactly the same problem. The only thing that fixed it was time, and rest. Honestly, it didn't stop hurting until I quit working hospitality, 2 years after I broke it!!0
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Alatariel75 wrote: »You have my sympathy, because I had exactly the same problem. The only thing that fixed it was time, and rest.
+1 millionhannahcall2 wrote: »It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.
I don't think there is unfortunately. If I get an opportunity I will check with one of the orthopods I know professionally but barring surgery it is a wait and see job.
I presume you have tried methods to take weight bearing off the bone as much as possible to allow it to heal?
+ 1 million
You're stressing it every time you use it. Non-weight bearing & rest is the way to go.hannahcall2 wrote: »Yes. The doctor said even with the boot it would be difficult to take the pressure entirely off it because it's sub a key part of the foot. I noticed when wearing it that it caused me greater pain than my regular shoes. I opted for crutches which also made my foot ache, but I timed it with anti-inflammatories to help. I would like to be med free though if possible. Especially when it's healing at such a slow rate.
Sorry, ok you're doing that. Yeah go for crutches
I don't know how sound the nutritional advice in this pdf is. Seems backed up. I'm trying it myself. Suggests lots of protein, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, esp C, D, K, B6. (um food)
http://www.betterbones.com/bonefracture/speedhealing.pdf
I think most of the nutritional goals in there can be met by consuming
- Breakfast: 1 protein smoothie with 1/2 cup kale, 1/2 cup berries, 1/2 banana OR eggs & toast with tomatoes or oranges (alternate. If you go for eggs, have berries and kale or spinach somewhere else in the day)
- Lunch: soup with red or orange veggies in it (peppers, tomatoes, carrots, red cabbage, etc) <- hits antioxidants, Vits C, E, A. Lentils or beans in there too, if you can. If still hungry: maybe 1/2 a tuna or ham sandwich, or sushi
- Dinner: A veggie-ful stir fry (e.g thai lemongrass stir fry - more dry than saucy) most nights of the week, with a different meat focus every night, to hit as many micros as possible over the week. Especially feature beef, shellfish, chicken. Lots of veggies. Mushrooms in there if you can get them in. Kale and spinach and other leafy greens when possible.
- Mackerel, 1 night a week. Liver (if you can choke it down) has a ton of good for you stuff in it.
- Snacks: berries, nuts, avocado, yogurt, cheese, eggs
- Supplements: Omega 3s, Vit C, Vit D3
NO SMOKING (if you smoke). Nicotine apparently isn't that bad, according to some studies, so NRT and probably vaping would be ok if you can't quit (if you're a smoker, obviously).0 -
I had the same thing happen, and absolutely no known reason for it.
Took aleve for several months before finally seeing a podiatrist, found out it was broken.
They sold me a boot... which I wish I'd turned down because other than at the gym or sitting at home I really
couldn't use it. (But at the gym, it was really nice to have my foot not hurt.)
Anti-inflammatories, immobilize as much as possible, gentle exercise (wish I could swim), and lots of patience.
This has been going on for more than a year, and my foot still hurts from time to time.
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I had the same thing happen, and absolutely no known reason for it.
Took aleve for several months before finally seeing a podiatrist, found out it was broken.
They sold me a boot... which I wish I'd turned down because other than at the gym or sitting at home I really
couldn't use it. (But at the gym, it was really nice to have my foot not hurt.)
Anti-inflammatories, immobilize as much as possible, gentle exercise (wish I could swim), and lots of patience.
This has been going on for more than a year, and my foot still hurts from time to time.
Sorry to hear you're still in pain
Re anti-inflammatories: there's research now saying they're bad for bones and muscles.
http://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/articles/do-nsaids-impair-healing-musculoskeletal-injuries
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259713/
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hannahcall2 wrote: »It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.
SO FRUSTRATING that there's rarely consensus even within a specialty. Never mind across specialties. If it's not been dealt with, get a second opinion - do as much research as possible, and ask around to get recommendations for specialists knowledgeable & experienced with your injury.0 -
Ouch! I hope it gets better soon.0
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I broke my fifth metatarsal in Oct 2013 (6 mos to the day after breaking my ankle, same leg). I wore a walking ortho boot cast thing for 12 weeks and it still didn't fully heal. To this day I feel pain in that spot, frequently.
Feet bones require rest to heal. We need our feet to walk about. It's an obnoxious conundrum.
I agree about seeking out more opinions until you find a doctor that has more to offer than what you currently are getting.
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Go see a doc.0
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Comfrey is supposed to be good for bones. It's also called "bone-knit". There are different varieties. Its not allowed to be sold for oral cosumpton in the US as I understand (might harm the liver) You can buy lotions with it in or make your own. The russian variety is the most toxic. I've made my own for topical use using 1 cup olive oil, 1 oz of powdered comfrey (get the right kind) . Mix and put in oven for 1hr at 250 deg. Take out and stir in 1/3 cup of packed grated bees wax. Add wax to desired thickness. Let sit. The grit will settle to the bottom. Apply topically. Some people do take internally (get the right kind) and have done so as a yearly tonic or to fix bones. Google it.0
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Not sure what your insurance or finances are like, but if you can, find an ortho who specializes in rehabilitating ballet dancers (women on pointe) or runners. Can't dance with a big toe injury like this, someone who treats athletes will likely be more familiar with rehabilitation and physical therapy exercises than other docs who don't.
If you're relying on insurance, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Be assertive about your care and let people know the healing time of 6 weeks to 6 years is a little too vague and more than a little unacceptable. Find a specialist and get them to fund you. Get it in writing. I did this years ago and my insurance sent me to the Baylor Scoliosis Center which was not part of my plan's coverage. I was VERY persistent (and right) and they got tired of me and wanted me to stop bugging them.0 -
Pearl Millet is really good for broken bones. We use it in Africa as natural way to help with the healing process. My son broke his upper arm in May. I used it extensively. You should try it, it's natural and cheap. I use it as a soup also you can rousted it , grind it and add it to whatever you want
Good luck0 -
Millet does have a lot of calcium as well as other nutritional components.0
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I had the same thing happen, and absolutely no known reason for it.
Took aleve for several months before finally seeing a podiatrist, found out it was broken.
They sold me a boot... which I wish I'd turned down because other than at the gym or sitting at home I really
couldn't use it. (But at the gym, it was really nice to have my foot not hurt.)
Anti-inflammatories, immobilize as much as possible, gentle exercise (wish I could swim), and lots of patience.
This has been going on for more than a year, and my foot still hurts from time to time.
Sorry to hear you're still in pain
Re anti-inflammatories: there's research now saying they're bad for bones and muscles.
http://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/articles/do-nsaids-impair-healing-musculoskeletal-injuries
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259713/
This article suggests an alternative approach
http://www.ismoc.net/sportsmedicine/nopillsnopain.html
No Pills, No Pain is
"a program of treating injuries that states that your fastest rate of healing will occur if you:
- do not take any medications which can mask symptoms or directly interfere with healing (NO PILLS), and
- do nothing that causes pain to the injured area (NO PAIN)"
Summary:
- Your body heals better on its own
- Use pain to define the limits of healthy movement. It's important to move what you can, and rest what needs healing (relative rest)
- Sleep 8 hours, it helps with healing
- NSAIDs block pain (which is bad, because you wind up using the injured part more), cause GI issues, and interfere with healing
- Other painkillers have other side effects
- Interesting, on immobilization: " it turns that a certain amount of – painless – motion is essential to allow maximum healing. The normal joint motions produce “piezoelectric fields” that are sensed by your body. These electric fields have an orientation relative to the affected joint that serve as a roadmap for the body to orient healing tissue. Ligaments, tendons, and bones are all composed of tissue that has structural orientation like the cables of a suspension bridge. A given amount of structural tissue (like a given amount of steel cable) produces greater structural rigidity and strength if it is oriented along the natural lines of stress that the joint experiences. If the joint is immobilized, these piezoelectric fields are weakened or eliminated. The body will deposit the healing structural tissue in a more random and less ordered fashion. The net result is a weakened healing construct relative to what would have occurred if the joint had been allowed to move normally. When a bone is broken, immobilization for a time is unavoidable. In all other cases, decreased weight bearing with no pain but continued motion will maximize the strength and speed of healing."
Mind = blown0 -
Call around and see if any physical therapists have machines that are supposed to help healing. I had several different things done to me (not for a bone, but they penetrate the skin). They are like electricity and sonograms (ultrasound?) and stuff, lol. But they aren't supposed to be bunk; they are covered by insurance and all that. It could help!
Then, what actually helped me better but is not covered or proven is acupuncture. I'm sure they have something for healing broken bones, because they seem to have something for everything. For mine to continue to help, I had to go every 3 days was why I stopped (chronic facet joint problem with my spine). I don't have the cash for that! But that's not common at all; it's just why I don't do it anymore.0 -
@tomateoy
You are partially right but shouldn't be recommending someone stop their pain treatment.
1) Yes, anti-inflammatories had a negative effect on tissue recovery. However, this doesn't mean that they are BAD for recovery and should be stopped. Used when needed (versus constantly used) doesn't reduce healing significantly - since chronic inflammation ALSO has a negative effect on recovery. It's a balancing act - and as non-health care professional you should not be recommending changes in treatment - feel free to provide info that a person can THEN discuss with their doctor.
2) "Your body heals better on its own" is bad advice. Just stop.
3) The "piezoelectric fields" explanation is mostly correct - except that those micro fields are never eliminated nor are they "sensed by your body" - they influence osteoblast and osteoclast balance via calcium channel signaling in bone remodelling. It does hold that weight bearing exercise may (not *will*) improve healing and bone growth. But guess what - the OP isn't fully immobilised and that effect is taking place.hannahcall2 wrote: »Haha yes I've had my bout of doctors. X-rays, MRI's, the most honest thing I got from all of the was "well that is just an unlucky bone to break". As you can imagine it's not the most helpful advice. Pretty much they said try these things and see what helps. So far no luck
Hanna, go back to same doctor - if your current treatment is not working, they need to know, work with them to identify a better treatment option. If you, as a patient, quit your half of the conversation, they can't help. Has the follow-up x-ray shown healing?
BUT the reality is that these type of fractures take a long time to heal. You need to have patience.
Here, read this on that type of fracture and the expected time table.
http://www.drblakeshealingsole.com/2012/03/fractured-fibular-sesamoid-email-advice_29.html
All the other advice here on millet, teas and what nots are likely not useful ... but they won't hurt anything other than your pocket book.
TL;DR: These fractures take time.0
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