fracture healing follow up care

Overview

A fracture is a broken bone. Follow-up care is the medical checkups and support you receive after a fracture to make sure the bone heals correctly, to manage pain, and to help you regain strength and movement in the injured area.

Fractures are very common. Many people will have at least one broken bone at some point in their lives.

Fractures and follow-up care affect people of all ages. You may be more likely to break a bone if you have osteoporosis, play sports, have a physically demanding job, or are older and more at risk for falls.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Ongoing pain or achiness near the fracture after the first few weeks
• Mild swelling around the cast or healed bone
• Stiffness in nearby joints while the limb is kept still
• Discomfort when you try to move the injured area or put weight on it

Symptoms in children

• Refusing to use or move the injured limb
• Unusual irritability or crying
• Pain that gets worse instead of better
• A visible bend or bump where the bone broke

Symptoms in older adults

• New confusion or a change in usual behaviour
• Loss of appetite or low energy
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks they could do before
• Pain or swelling that gets worse after being stable

Causes

Main causes

• The bone was broken by a fall, a direct blow, or a sports injury
• The broken bone did not get enough support because a cast was removed too early or was loose
• There is an infection after surgery to fix the fracture
• The blood supply to the bone was damaged during the injury

Risk factors

• Older age, which can slow bone healing
• Osteoporosis or thin bones
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Diabetes or other long-term health conditions
• Taking certain medicines that can weaken bones or delay healing
• Having an open fracture, where the bone pierces the skin

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any of the emergency symptoms described above
• You have a high fever or signs of infection at the injury site
• Your cast breaks, changes shape, or gets soaked through
• You have sudden severe pain that your usual pain relief does not help

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a scheduled follow-up appointment with your doctor or clinic
• Your doctor has asked you to come in for new X-rays
• You have questions about your recovery, pain, or how to manage daily activities

Diagnosis

During follow-up care, your doctor will examine the injured area, ask about your symptoms, and often order imaging tests to see how well the bone is healing.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray, which is the standard test to see the bone and check alignment
• CT scan (computed tomography) for more detailed pictures, especially for complex fractures
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to check nearby soft tissue and blood flow
• Blood tests if your doctor suspects an infection or a problem with healing

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will talk with you about your pain, look at the cast or wound, ask you to move the joint if it is allowed, and review any new scans. They may change your treatment, tell you when you can put weight on the limb, or refer you to physical therapy.

Treatment

The goal of follow-up care is to help your bone heal solidly and to restore your function as safely as possible. It may involve monitoring, changing the type of support (cast, splint, or brace), managing pain, and following a structured rehabilitation plan.

Self-care at home

• Keep the cast dry and clean — use a plastic bag when showering and never put objects inside the cast to scratch
• Elevate the injured limb when you can to reduce swelling
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safe over-the-counter pain relief options — always follow the recommended dose
• Do only the exercises your doctor or physical therapist approves — do not rush into movement too quickly
• Eat balanced meals with plenty of protein, calcium, and vitamin D to give your body what it needs for bone repair

Medical treatments

Pain-relief medicines may be recommended, usually simple painkillers available from a pharmacy. Physical therapy is a key part of treatment: a trained therapist will guide you through exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Sometimes your doctor may order new scans and adjust your treatment plan. No specific medicines are listed here because your doctor will choose what is right for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

You may need surgery if the bone is badly displaced, if the fracture is open (the bone goes through the skin), or if the bone does not stay aligned. Surgery usually involves metal plates, screws, or rods inside the bone to hold it in a stable position while it heals.

Living with this condition

Daily life with a healing fracture takes some adjustment. A cast can make bathing, dressing, and moving around harder. You may need crutches or a walker. Plan extra time for simple activities and arrange your home so that things you need are easy to reach.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke — smoking slows bone healing and increases the risk of the bone not joining
• Limit alcohol, which can affect balance and healing
• Follow your doctor’s advice about when you can drive, lift, or return to work
• Use helpful tools like long-handled reachers, slip-on shoes, and shower seats

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D — from foods like dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods, and sunlight. Gentle exercise, as directed by your physical therapist, helps keep your joints and muscles from getting too stiff. Avoid high-impact activity until your doctor says the bone is fully healed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovering from a fracture can be emotional. Feeling frustrated, low, or anxious is common, especially if you rely on others for help or are in pain. It is okay to ask for support. Talk to your healthcare team about your mood — they can point you to resources that help you cope.

Prevention

You can reduce the chance of a bone healing poorly by following your treatment plan closely, attending all follow-up visits, not smoking, and eating well. To prevent fractures in the first place, work on balance and strength, and get treated for conditions like osteoporosis.

Screening programmes

If you are 50 or older and have risk factors such as a previous fracture, a family history of osteoporosis, or early menopause, ask your doctor about a bone density test. This can help find weak bones and guide ways to keep them strong.

Complications

If left untreated

• Delayed union — the bone takes much longer than expected to heal
• Non-union — the bone fails to heal completely
• Malunion — the bone heals in an abnormal position that may cause weakness or deformity
• Infection in the bone, especially if the fracture was open or surgery was done
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
• Chronic pain or stiffness in the joint near the fracture

Long-term outlook

The vast majority of fractures heal well with proper follow-up care. Even when healing is slow, there are effective treatments and rehabilitation programs that can help you return to your usual activities. Your healthcare team will guide you through every step.

Find support

International organisations

• NHS – Broken Bones ↗

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