Nutrition To Heal Broken Ankle

A broken ankle might occur as the result of a fall, collision, serious injury or possibly related to an underlying medical condition. For bone healing to occur, the ankle must be sufficiently stabilized and receive an adequate blood supply. The ankle might be stabilized with use of a cast and/or surgery in which screws are plates are used to fixate the bone. A healthy blood supply ensures that the ankle receives oxygen and essential nutrients that aid in healing and growth. Blood supply to the ankle normally returns to the ankle during the healing process and is further supported by rest, progressive exercise rehabilitation and a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Consult a physician to determine your individual needs and treatment plan.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral that is needed for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Adding calcium-rich foods to a well-balanced diet might optimize nutritional status to assist with the healing process of a broken ankle. Adequate calcium intake might also help prevent osteoporosis from developing or advancing, which can lead to weak bone structure and increase the likelihood of fractures. Add calcium-rich foods to your diet with milk and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Other healthy food sources include beans, tofu, sardines, salmon and green leafy vegetables such as turnips, mustard greens and kale. Eat a variety of these foods to meet daily recommended intakes, which range anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day for healthy adult females and males over the age of 19 according to HealthLinkBC.

Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient needed in the body for the growth, maintenance and repair of muscle and body tissues. A broken ankle not only requires healing of the bone, but also repair of surrounding ligaments, tendons, muscles and tissues affected. In addition to rest and other nutrients, eating protein-rich foods aids in repairing damaged muscle fibers to strengthen muscles to speed up the healing process. Inadequate dietary intake might also lead to overall body fatigue, lethargy, muscle weakness and wasting, which contribute to poor health and delayed healing. Add protein-rich foods to your diet with meals and snacks such as eggs with breakfast, grilled chicken served over a salad for lunch, salmon for dinner, and snacks of yogurt and low-fat cheese string.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that might assist in healing a broken bone. Vitamin C assists in the production of collagen, which is connective tissue that aids in healthy bone formation. It also aids in wound healing through the growth and repair of various body tissues. This water-soluble vitamin is also a source of antioxidants that aids in protecting the body against infections from injury as well as the risk of diseases. Incorporate vitamin-C rich foods into your daily diet by enjoying a variety of fruits and vegetables such as oranges, peaches, strawberries, red and orange bell peppers or natural, no-sugar added orange juices.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D should be combined with calcium to optimize bone healing. This essential vitamin aids in the absorption of calcium in the intestines which, according to MediNiche, increases the body's ability to absorb calcium by 65 percent. Furthermore, approximately 40 percent of people admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture are deficient in vitamin D as cited by MediNiche, a health-care products company. Incorporate vitamin-D rich foods into your diet such as milk, fortified orange juice, eggs and fish such as cooked trout and canned sardines and salmon.