fracture healing exercise guidance

Overview

A fracture is a break in a bone. Exercise during healing helps keep muscles strong, reduce stiffness, and improve blood flow, but it must be done safely and usually under the guidance of a doctor or physiotherapist.

Yes. Broken bones are one of the most common injuries seen in hospitals and clinics around the world.

Fractures can happen at any age, but they are especially common in children, older adults, and people with weakened bones (a condition called osteoporosis).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain at the site of the injury
• Swelling and bruising
• Tenderness when touched
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• A visible deformity, such as a limb bending in an unusual way

Symptoms in children

• A child may not be able to say what hurts, so they might cry or refuse to use the limb
• Swelling or bruising may appear quickly
• The child may hold the injured arm or leg very still

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less severe than expected
• Sometimes a fracture feels like arthritis or a muscle strain
• Older adults may simply feel more confused or less steady on their feet

Causes

Main causes

• Falls from standing height or higher
• Sports or exercise injuries
• Accidents, such as car or bicycle crashes
• Direct blows to the body
• Weakened bones from osteoporosis or other bone conditions

Risk factors

• Older age
• Low bone density (osteoporosis)
• Poor nutrition, especially low calcium or vitamin D
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol intake
• Certain medications that weaken bones
• Problems with balance or coordination

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you suspect a fracture, especially with severe pain, deformity, or inability to move the area
• If you have an open wound near the injury
• If you have sudden numbness or coldness in the limb

Book a routine appointment if:

• For follow-up appointments to check how the bone is healing
• To discuss when it is safe to start or progress exercises
• If you have ongoing pain or stiffness after your initial treatment

Diagnosis

A doctor will examine you and usually order an X-ray to see if there is a break. Sometimes other scans are needed if the X-ray is not clear or if the injury is complex.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Bone scan, in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

You will be asked how the injury happened, what pain you feel, and which movements are difficult. An X-ray is quick and painless. The doctor may gently feel around the area to check for tenderness, swelling, or abnormal movement.

Treatment

Treatment aims to hold the broken bone in the correct position so it can heal. This may be done with a cast, splint, brace, or sometimes surgery. Once the bone is stable, a graduated exercise programme is key to restoring function and preventing stiffness.

Self-care at home

• Rest and elevate the injured area to reduce swelling
• Use ice packs wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time, as directed
• Keep your cast or splint dry and avoid putting pressure on it
• Follow your physiotherapist's advice about which movements are safe
• Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe pain relief to manage discomfort, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They will tell you the correct dose and how long to take it. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice about medicines. You may also be referred to a physiotherapist for tailored exercises to gradually rebuild strength, range of motion, and balance.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually recommended if the bone fragments are displaced, the break is unstable, or the bone cannot be held in place with a cast. Metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to keep the bone aligned while it heals.

Living with this condition

While your bone is healing, keep the injured area safe. Use crutches, splints, or slings exactly as directed. Avoid activities that put weight or stress on the healing bone until your doctor or physiotherapist says it is safe. Keep your cast dry and check the skin around it for any irritation.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke, because smoking slows down bone healing
• Limit alcohol, as it can interfere with bone repair
• Try to maintain a healthy weight
• Stay active in ways that are safe for your injury, like moving other joints
• Follow your prescribed exercise plan without pushing through sharp pain

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Your doctor or dietitian can advise if you need supplements. Exercise is an important part of healing: begin with gentle range-of-motion exercises, then progress to stronger ones as guided by your healthcare team. Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain or a feeling of giving way.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A fracture can make you feel upset, frustrated, or anxious about being inactive. These feelings are normal. Give yourself time, talk to friends or family, and consider speaking with your doctor if low mood persists. Gentle activity and staying connected with others can help your mood.

Prevention

Not all fractures can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by making your home safer, improving your balance, doing weight-bearing exercise, and eating well for bone health.

Screening programmes

If you are over 50 or have risk factors for weak bones, ask your doctor about a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bone may heal in the wrong position
• Delayed healing or non-union (the break does not heal together)
• Loss of movement in nearby joints
• Chronic pain or disability
• Infection, especially after an open fracture or surgery

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and a guided rehabilitation plan, most fractures heal well and people regain their previous level of function. Be patient—healing takes time, and following your exercise plan safely makes a big difference.

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