Signs a Broken Bone Is Not Healing: What You Need to Know

Signs a Broken Bone Is Not Healing: What You Need to Know Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Worried about whether your broken bone is healing properly or not? If there is a delay in healing, then there could be a complication that may require medical attention.  Knowing what symptoms to look for and how bone heals can help you determine if you need to take action to ensure a smoother recovery. Read the blog for the symptoms, stages of healing, and what to do if your bone is not healing to expectation. Understanding the 5 Stages of Bone Healing Let’s explain the 5 stages of bone healing so that you are aware of what is happening underneath that cast: Hematoma Formation (Days 1 – 7): Immediately following the fracture, blood pools at the fracture site, where a clot forms and begins the repair process. Inflammatory Stage (Week 1 – 2): Your body sends immune cells to the area to clean up debris and fight infection. This stage can be painful and swollen, but it indicates that your body is actively engaging with the process. Soft Callus Formation (Weeks 2 – 3): Blood starts forming a soft callus to heal around the fracture site.  Hard Callus Formation (Weeks 4 – 8): That soft callus hardens into bone. Most individuals typically continue to wear a cast throughout this stage. Bone Remodeling (Months to years): Bone continues to slowly reshape, and get stronger as time passes. This process can occur over several months. Common Symptoms of Broken Bone Healing The time frame for healing can vary by age, bone type, and health status. Each stage of healing has some symptoms: Pain in broken bone regions decreases over time Very mild swelling or bruising at the injury site in the early stages Slight tingling or stiffness for some time after the broken bone has been immobilized for an extended time If you are noticing these signs and they are getting better, it means your body is healing properly. Signs a Broken Bone Is Not Healing Now, let’s get to the red flags. Here are the signs a broken bone is not healing properly: 1. Pain persists beyond the expected time frame There may be some mild discomfort associated with the healing bone and surrounding tissue, however, sharp or increasing pain present two to four weeks following the injury may suggest a problem exists. 2. Swelling does not reduce Swelling during your recovery may have some normal range, however, if swelling is sustained for more than two weeks (especially if warmth or redness is present) your bone may be at risk for malunion, delayed union, or nonunion where infection is present. 3. Abnormal movement at the fracture line If the fractured bone(s) feel unstable or have abnormal movement at the fracture line after completing weeks of treatment,  it may indicate that the bone has not healed correctly. 4. Numbness or tingling You may be experiencing changes in sensation as part of your risk of nerve involvement. While it’s not necessarily related to the healing of the bone, it is something you should never ignore. 5. Loss of functional recovery Upon removal of your cast, you should begin to slowly experience functional return of strength and more range of motion. If you feel like you are stuck in recovery with no physical improvements, it may be the case that your bone is not healing properly. Do Broken Bones Heal Back to Normal? A common question is: Do fractured bones heal back to the normal path?  In most cases, yes. fractured bones can heal back to their normal form with proper care. However, there are many variables involved: Age: Older adults fracture bones and heal slower. Type of bone: Weight-bearing bones (like the femur) can take longer because they are pressure-sensitive. Smoking or diabetes: Any smoker or diabetic can experience a healing delay. Poor immobilization: Moving the bone before its time can disturb the healing. What to Do If You Notice Signs a Broken Bone Is Not Healing? If you notice any symptoms that your broken bone is not healing, don’t ignore them. Pain that persists, swelling that lasts, and lack of bone healing can all be indications of a red flag. These symptoms could indicate that your bone is healing too slowly (or maybe not at all).  Understanding the 5 stages of bone healing will help you track your healing. If you are not seeing improvement in broken bone healing symptoms, it’s time to take action.  Here is what to do: 1. Consult Your Physician Do not guess! If something seems wrong, check with your doctor. They may send you for new X-rays or other tests to check the way your bone is healing. 2. Avoid Stressing the Bone Do not jump back to doing normal activities simply because the pain decreased. It is easy to stress your bone putting weight on it too soon, which can delay or even stop healing. 3. Enquire About Stimulation Some physicians use equipment to stimulate bone to heal such as low-level ultrasound or electric stimulation. 4. Consider Surgery In far fewer cases, a physician may consider surgery or a bone graph to fix the problem and help healing begin. Be aware, be vigilant, check your broken bone healing symptoms and also understand the 5 stages of bone healing to fully recover and heal safely.</span Trust the Experts in Bone Healing At MJ Naidu Super Specialty Hospital we recognize the importance of an appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment for orthopedic care.  With 38+ years of legacy, a team of celebrated orthopedic surgeons, and state-of-the-art services such as 24/7 trauma care, diagnostics, ICU, and operation theaters, we are dedicated to attaining patient-centric care through the combination of compassion and technology.  Whether you are coping with fractures, joint problems, or complex bone pathologies, we are here for you. Enquire now Table of Contents Understanding the 5 Stages of Bone Healing Common Symptoms of Broken Bone Healing Signs a Broken Bone Is Not