Living with fracture healing

Overview

A fracture (say: FRAK-chur) is the medical word for a broken bone. It happens when a bone is hit by more force than it can absorb. After a fracture, the bone begins to heal on its own once the broken pieces are brought back into the right position. Healing takes time — usually six to twelve weeks — and involves the body growing new bone tissue to bridge the gap.

Yes. Most people will experience at least one fracture during their lifetime. Fractures are one of the most common reasons for a visit to an emergency department.

Fractures can happen to anyone at any age. They are very common in children and older adults. In older people, bones may become thinner and more fragile, so a simple slip can cause a fracture. In younger people, fractures are often caused by sports or accidents.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp pain that gets worse when you touch or move the area
• Swelling, bruising, or a change in shape over the bone
• Difficulty moving the limb or bearing any weight
• A grinding feeling or sound at the time of the injury

Symptoms in children

• A child may refuse to use the limb or cry when it is moved
• Tenderness over one spot of the bone, not just a joint
• Swelling or bruising that seems out of proportion to the injury
• A 'buckle' fracture can cause only mild pain and no obvious deformity

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less severe than expected — a hip fracture may be felt in the groin or knee
• Sudden inability to walk or stand after a fall
• New confusion along with pain, sometimes seen with a hip or pelvic fracture
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or arm if a nerve is affected

Causes

Main causes

• A direct blow or trauma, such as a fall, a car accident, or a sports injury
• Repeated stress over time, causing a 'stress fracture' — for example, from running long distances
• A very forceful twist or bend, which can cause a spiral fracture

Risk factors

• Getting older — bones naturally become weaker
• Low bone density (osteoporosis)
• Poor diet, especially low levels of calcium and vitamin D
• Smoking and drinking too much alcohol
• Some medical conditions or long-term medicines that affect bone strength
• Taking part in high-impact sports or manual work

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any fall or injury that causes serious pain, swelling, or trouble moving a limb — go for an X-ray
• Open fractures, severe numbness, or a pale/cold limb need emergency care

Book a routine appointment if:

• A pain that does not go away within a few days
• Pain or swelling that comes back after you have finished treatment

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask how the injury happened and examine the area for tenderness, swelling, and deformity. They will usually order an X-ray to confirm the fracture and see its shape.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray
• A CT scan or MRI for more complex or stress fractures
• Sometimes blood tests to check for conditions that affect bone health

What to expect at your appointment

The X-ray is quick and painless. The doctor will then put the bone back into a good position and apply a cast or splint, or describe surgery if it is needed. You will be told how to look after the injured part while it heals.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on putting the broken pieces back in the right position (called reduction) and keeping them there until nature finishes the job. This may be done with a cast, a brace, traction, or surgery. You will also get a plan to gradually return to normal activity.

Self-care at home

• Rest the injured area as advised, and keep it raised to reduce swelling.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes several times a day for the first few days.
• Keep the cast clean and dry, and never poke items inside it to scratch.
• Follow the advice about how long to keep weight off the limb.

Medical treatments

For pain, the healthcare team will suggest suitable over-the-counter or prescription options — they will discuss which one is safe for you. If the fracture is open, you may need antibiotics and a tetanus booster. After the bone has started to heal, physical therapy (physiotherapy) helps you regain strength and movement. In some cases, a bone-growth stimulator may be used, but this is not common until other treatments have failed.

When is surgery considered?

You may need surgery if the bone is broken into several pieces, if the ends do not line up well, if the bone has pierced the skin, or if the blood supply to the bone is at risk. Metal wires, plates, screws, or rods may be used to hold the bone in place until it heals.

Living with this condition

For the first few weeks, everyday tasks can be challenging. Ask family or friends for help with cooking, cleaning, and washing. Plan your home so essentials are within reach. A shower seat, grab bars, and a raised toilet seat can help if your legs are affected. Use extra pillows to keep the limb supported while you sleep.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke — it slows bone healing.
• Limit alcohol, as it can weaken bones and delay healing.
• Keep other parts of your body active — for example, walk with crutches or exercise your unaffected arm.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Good sources include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, fish with soft bones, and fortified cereals. Once your doctor or physiotherapist says it is safe, start gentle movements and slowly build up your strength and balance. Avoid putting stress on the healing bone too early.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel frustrated, bored, or down while you wait for the bone to mend. Pain, reduced independence, and time away from work or sport can affect your mood. Remember that this is temporary. If a low mood lasts more than two weeks or stops you from sleeping or eating, talk to your doctor.

Prevention

Not every fracture can be prevented, but many can. Focus on keeping your bones strong and avoiding falls. This means regular weight-bearing exercise, eating enough calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and having your vision checked. At home, remove trip hazards, fix loose rugs, and use nightlights.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for fractures. However, keeping up-to-date with tetanus vaccination is important if you have a cut or open wound with a fracture.

Screening programmes

Your doctor may recommend a bone density scan if you are older, have had a fracture after a minor fall, or have other risk factors for osteoporosis. This test measures how strong your bones are and helps guide prevention.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bone may heal in a poor position, causing a permanent deformity or limp.
• Late healing or non-union — the bone does not join together.
• Infection, especially in open fractures.
• Blood clots in the leg or arm because the limb is still for a long time.
• Compartment syndrome — a dangerous buildup of pressure in the muscles.

Long-term outlook

The vast majority of fractures heal completely, especially with steady medical care and a good recovery plan. It may take weeks or months, but you can expect to regain movement and strength. Your care team will guide you at each step and tell you when it is safe to return to your usual activities.

Find support

International organisations

• International Osteoporosis Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS - Broken bones ↗ · UK

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