What happens if you break a bone as an adult vs as a kid as strange theory emerges
Growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be - especially as our bones aren't as sturdy when we hit adulthood.
Broken bones are an unfortunate part of life and their isn't an age limit on them, but some lucky buggers manage to dodge them completely. They are often the result of clumsy accidents and traumatic falls, while people with underlying health conditions can be very susceptible to them too.
But in the eyes of some people, these injuries might have something to do with the 'spiritual' realm...as there's a few 'crazy theories' floating around online about why certain folks are more vulnerable to them.
A medic somewhat rubbished these ideas though, as Dr Suhail Hussain told LADbible breaking bones is 'not all random or down to divine protection'. In fact, he reckons it's 'a mix of your genes, lifestyle, and even what you eat', while the health expert also explained that your bone strength is 'largely inherited'.
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So, we've gotten to the bottom of why some people are more prone to broken bones than others....but have you ever wondered why these injuries seem to much more traumatic for older people than youngsters?
Aside from the fact that being stuck in a cast really isn't as cute when you're no longer a kid, broken bones can really take it out of the average adult.
It turns out that the bones of a grown up are a lot more fragile than those of a small child, as adolescents boast a 'unique quality that allow their bones to heal faster'.
According to experts at Total Orthopaedic Care, a US firm who provide comprehensive orthopaedic and physical therapy services, adult bones can take months to mend themselves while kids can be back on their feet in just a matter of weeks.
"Unlike the bones in the adult body, the bones of children are still growing, so their growth pattern can more easily accommodate broken or fractured bones," it explains.
Still, the sooner the bone can be 'set back in place, the better' - so it's still important to take fast action, no matter what age you are.
Anyway, the experts explain that kids have this superpower because the 'bones of a child contain far more periosteum, [which is] a dense layer of vascular connective tissue covering their bones'.
Total Orthopaedic Care notes: "Not only does this make their bones thicker and stronger, but it also means recovery and healing time is much quicker.
"This is because the bones are far more oxygen-rich, allowing it to more easily heal after trauma.
"However, due to the incredible thickness in children’s bones, it makes it significantly more difficult to diagnose small fractures. So, if your child is complaining of pain after an accident or fall, you should be quick to get medical attention."
It's also worth mentioning that children typically experience broken bones due to unexpected 'trauma or sports injuries' whereas adults are 'more susceptible to wear-and-tear types of fractures'.
"This is when cartilage and bones break down over time – as can happen with arthritis or osteoporosis – leading to bones breaking more easily with a fall," Total Orthopaedic Care adds.
So there you have it lads - stay safe out there.
Olivia Burke