Broken Bones & Fractures!
🦴 How Do Fractures Heal — And How Long Does It Take?
Fractures — or broken bones — are among the most common injuries treated in orthopaedics. Whether caused by a fall, car accident, or sports injury, fractures can be painful and disruptive to daily life. But the human body has an incredible ability to heal itself — and bones are no exception.
In this post, we’ll break down how fractures heal, what factors affect healing, and how long you can expect recovery to take.
✅ How Does a Fracture Heal?
Bone healing is a complex process that happens in three overlapping stages:
1. Inflammation Phase (0–7 Days)
As soon as a bone breaks, the body sends blood to the area to form a hematoma (a blood clot). This helps protect the area and signals the body to begin the healing process. This phase includes:
Swelling and pain
Removal of dead bone and tissue
Early formation of healing cells
2. Reparative Phase (1–6 Weeks)
The body begins to form a soft callus — a mix of collagen and cartilage — around the fracture site. This soft callus is gradually replaced by a hard callus, made of immature bone known as woven bone.
This is when:
The fracture starts to become stable
New bone bridges the gap
3. Remodelling Phase (6 Weeks – 12+ Months)
Over time, the hard callus is slowly replaced with strong, organized lamellar bone. The bone reshapes itself to return to its original structure and strength.
This process can continue for months to years, especially after major fractures or surgery.
⏳ How Long Does It Take for a Fracture to Heal?
Healing time varies depending on the bone involved, the severity of the break, and the patient’s overall health. Here's a general guide:
Bone / AreaTypical Healing Time
Fingers / Toes 3–6 weeks
Wrist / Forearm 6–8 weeks
Upper Arm (Humerus) 6–12 weeks
Collarbone (Clavicle)6–8 weeks
Ankle / Foot 6–12 weeks
Shinbone (Tibia) 10–16 weeks
Thighbone (Femur) 12–16+ weeks
Hip / Pelvis 8–12+ weeks
Note: Return to full activity, including sports or manual work, may take several months beyond initial bone healing.
🩺 What Affects Fracture Healing Time?
Several factors can influence how quickly (or slowly) a bone heals:
Age: Older adults heal more slowly than children and teens.
Smoking: Slows bone healing and increases complication risks.
Nutrition: Adequate calcium, vitamin D, and protein are crucial.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, osteoporosis, and poor circulation can delay healing.
Injury type: Open (compound) or displaced fractures often take longer.
Surgical fixation: Sometimes necessary for proper alignment and stability.
💪 Tips to Support Bone Healing
Here’s what you can do to encourage a smooth recovery:
Follow your doctor’s or physiotherapist’s instructions
Avoid smoking or vaping
Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein
Stay active (as safely guided) to support circulation and strength
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
👨⚕️ When to See a Specialist
If you’re concerned about a possible fracture, delayed healing, or ongoing pain, it’s important to seek expert care. Untreated fractures can lead to long-term complications like non-union, malunion, or joint problems.
Conclusion
Bone healing is a natural — but not always quick — process. While most fractures heal well with the right care, healing time can range from a few weeks to several months. Patience, proper treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices can make all the difference in a smooth recovery.
Need help recovering from a fracture?
Book an appointment to see Dr Collins to get expert care and guidance.
