What is one of the purposes of traction in treating fractures?

Traction is primarily used in the management of fractures to reduce and immobilize the affected area. By applying a pulling force to the limb, traction helps to align the fractured bone segments back into their correct anatomical position. This realignment is crucial for proper healing and restoration of function. Additionally, maintaining immobilization through traction minimizes movement at the fracture site, which can reduce pain and promote healing.

While the other options may relate to various aspects of medical treatment, they do not align with the main purpose of traction in fracture management. For instance, promoting swelling contradicts the goal of reducing inflammation and aiding recovery. Encouraging movement would be counterproductive in the context of a fracture as it could disrupt healing, and decreasing blood flow is not desirable as adequate circulation is essential for healing tissues. Thus, the role of traction is specifically focused on reducing and immobilizing the fracture to optimize recovery.