When do broken bones start to heal

The bone healing process has three overlapping stages: inflammation, bone production and bone remodeling. Bone generally takes six to 12 weeks to heal to a significant degree. In general, children's bones heal faster than those of adults. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine when the patient is ready to bear weight on the area. This will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, the type of surgical procedure performed and other considerations.

If a bone will be cut during a planned surgical procedure, some steps can be taken pre- and postoperatively to help optimize healing. The surgeon may offer advice on diet and nutritional supplements that are essential to bone growth. Smoking cessation and adequate control of blood sugar levels in people living with diabetes are important. Smoking and high glucose levels interfere with bone healing. For all patients with fractured bones, immobilization is a critical part of treatment because any movement of bone fragments slows down the initial healing process.

During the immobilization period, weightbearing is restricted as instructed by the surgeon. Once the bone is adequately healed, physical therapy often plays a key role in rehabilitation.

This promotes faster healing and helps avoid reinjury. For hand or arm fractures, this can mean adapting movements while in a cast or sling. For leg fractures, your therapist can help you use crutches or a cane safely to avoid putting too much weight on a healing bone.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend electrical stimulation to help speed bone healing, especially in the case of a hard to heal fracture. Studies indicate that these non-invasive electrical stimulation devices can boost the cellular processes that lead to bone regeneration and help rebuild stronger bones more quickly. Your physical therapist and orthopaedist can tell you if electrical stimulation is the right approach for you.

At Countryside Orthopaedics, treating broken bones and helping you heal effectively are among our specialties. We offer excellent care from surgery to postoperative care and therapy from our top-notch physicians, certified physician assistants and orthopaedic technologists, along with our comprehensive physical therapy and hand therapy staff. After a break, our goal is to help you regain strength and function and recover quickly and safely so that you can get back to doing what you love.

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Sci Rep. Published Aug Enhancement of bone-healing by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound: A systematic review. JBJS Rev. Effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing.

Osteoporos Int. Casts and splints. Updated April 16, Effects of aging on fracture healing. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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Phases of Pain. Helping Bones Heal. When to Call a Healthcare Provider. Frequently Asked Questions. Healing Time Depends On: What bone you broke smaller ones heal faster The severity of the break How quickly and how effectively it's treated How well you take care of it The health of your bones and connective tissues Whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or have nutritional deficiencies Your overall health Your age.

Acute Pain vs. Subacute Pain: The Differences. Physical Therapy A physical therapist can teach you the proper movements to use at each stage of the healing process so you don't do further damage. What is Central Sensitization? Most Common Fractures The most common fracture in children is the clavicle collar bone.

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