Fractures in children heal faster, why?

Fractures can affect both adults and children, but there is a clear difference between the recovery period for the two. Fractures in children usually heal faster than adults.

Meanwhile, adults need a longer recovery time. The pain can last for weeks. So, what is the difference between the recovery process in children and adults?

Why do fractures in children heal faster?

The recovery period for fractures in children generally lasts several weeks. In adults, overall recovery can take up to months.

This is because children are still in their infancy. During this period, the child's bones are still covered with a layer called the periosteum.

This layer consists of bone cells that are actively dividing, which are known as osteoblasts.

Apart from osteoblasts, there are other types of bone cells called osteoclasts. Its function is opposite to osteoblasts, which is to absorb bone tissue to take up the minerals in it to maintain the body's mineral balance.

The younger the child is at the time of the fracture, the faster it will heal. The reason is because osteoblasts that are very active build new bone tissue that is dense and sturdy.

Osteoblasts will continue to work actively until you reach adulthood. Its function is to maintain bone density. However, the ability of osteoblasts to lose out over time to osteoclasts with age.

When you have a fracture, osteoblasts will focus on healing the injured area, while osteoclasts remain active in absorbing bone tissue.

This is why fractures in adults require longer recovery time.

Is there a way to speed up recovery in adults?

Fractures in children heal faster than adults, but that doesn't mean you can't do your best to heal quickly.

The main thing you need to do is rest the injured body part. Apart from that, you can also do the following:

1. Eat foods rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants can ward off free radicals that cause damage to bone cells and surrounding tissue. Try eating foods that contain antioxidants in the form of vitamins E and C, lycopene, and alpha-lipoic acid.

2. Taking vitamin supplements

Vitamins can speed up various processes and reactions that occur in bone cells. The types of vitamins you need include vitamins C, D, and K.

Complete your supplement with B vitamins to increase energy production.

3. Taking mineral supplements

Fractures in children heal faster thanks to active cell division. In adults, the healing process can be supported by mineral intake.

The types of minerals you need are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and silicon.

4. Exercise lightly

Moderate exercise can increase blood flow to the injured area. This activity also acts as a recovery for a broken limb.

However, do consult with your doctor before doing it.

Fractures in children heal faster because the bone tissue is still actively producing new cells. However, this function will diminish with age.

For that, take supplements that can help the healing process and stay active.

You will also need to get regular checkups during recovery to ensure that the injured bone is growing in the correct position.