Last Updated on May 3, 2025
Healing time depends on factors such as fracture type, age, nutritional status, comorbidities, and the chosen treatment method [2]. While fracture healing follows a biological timeline, certain measures may help support faster fracture healing by optimizing the conditions required for bone repair.
How Do Fractures Occur?
When the bone is hit with a force more than it can resist, it breaks. The bone can break by a direct hit or an indirect force acting on the bone
Bones with decreased strength can fracture with less force than normal bones, as in diseased bone or osteoporosis. The range within which broken bones usually heal depends on the type of injury, the type of bone, the person’s age, etc.
7 Tips for Faster Fracture Healing
Maintain Good Nutrition
Bone healing is a biological repair process that requires proteins, calcium, vitamins, and other minerals [3]. A balanced diet ensures your body has the raw materials it needs.
One should include the following in the diet.
- Protein-rich foods (legumes, eggs, dairy)
- Calcium sources (leafy greens, dairy, fortified foods)
- Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Stop Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow by constricting blood vessels, including those supplying the healing bone. This impairs oxygen delivery and nutrient supply, leading to delayed healing or non-union [4].
Smokers have been shown to have longer healing times and a higher rate of complications. Quitting, even temporarily, can improve outcomes.
So if you smoke, you can improve your healing capacity by not smoking.
Don’t Ignore Calcium
Calcium is critical for bone strength, but taking excess calcium doesn’t speed up healing. Aim to meet your daily recommended intake through diet unless your doctor suggests supplementation.
Note: If you have a vitamin D deficiency, calcium absorption will be impaired, and correction is needed.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
After confirming your treatment plan, it’s essential to follow medical instructions strictly. These include:
- Cast care
- Activity restrictions
- Weight-bearing guidelines
- Diet and medication
Disobeying advice, such as walking too early or removing a cast, can delay healing or cause misalignment.
Adhere to the recommendations and instructions about plaster care, walking, movements, and diet, etc.
Choose the Best Treatment for You
Sometimes more than one treatment option exists, like casting vs. surgery. The best option for your fracture will be based on:
- Fracture type
- Age
- Activity level
- Risk factors
In borderline cases, you may have input in choosing the approach. Discuss thoroughly and make an informed decision.
Consider Healing Augmentation (Cautiously)
Devices like electrical stimulators, ultrasound, and magnetic therapy are marketed to accelerate healing. While some may help in specific difficult cases, consistent clinical evidence doesn’t strongly support routine use [5].
Discuss with your doctor before investing in such adjunct therapies.
[Learn more about the types, mechanisms, and clinical evidence of bone stimulators]
Avoid Certain Drugs
Some medications, especially NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or diclofenac), may interfere with bone healing when used excessively or long-term [6]. While pain relief is necessary, avoid self-medication.
Instead:
- Use the lowest effective dose
- Transition to other pain medications if needed under supervision
In patients with osteoporotic fractures, medications like bisphosphonates or calcitonin may support healing by improving bone density.
Fracture healing can be frustratingly slow, but avoiding harmful habits and supporting your body’s natural healing process can make a meaningful difference.
Refrences
[1] National Center for Health Statistics. (2010). Fractures: United States statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
[2] Einhorn, T. A., & Gerstenfeld, L. C. (2015). Fracture healing: mechanisms and interventions. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 11(1), 45–54. [Link]
[3] Price CT, Langford JR, Liporace FA. Essential Nutrients for Bone Health and a Review of their Availability in the Average North American Diet. Open Orthop J. 2012;6:143-9. doi: 10.2174/1874325001206010143. [link]
[4] Patel RA, Wilson RF, Patel PA, Palmer RM. The effect of smoking on bone healing: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res. 2013 Jun 14;2(6):102-11. [Link]
[5] Busse JW, Bhandari M, Kulkarni AV, Tunks E. The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on time to fracture healing: a meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2002 Feb 19;166(4):437-41. [Link]
[6] Gerstenfeld LC, Al-Ghawas M, Alkhiary YM, Cullinane DM, Krall EA, Fitch JL, Webb EG, Thiede MA, Einhorn TA. Selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and experimental fracture-healing. Reversibility of effects after short-term treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 Jan;89(1):114-25. [Link]
