When you break a bone, it can seem like forever before you can do everything normally again. Fortunately, in most cases, a broken bone heals within a few months – during which time you might notice a few signs that your bone is repairing itself.
The healing process for a broken bone is a multi-step course that begins as soon as you break a bone. First, blood will rush to the area in order to deliver cells that are necessary for your bone to heal. This also acts as protection for the bone.
About a week after your bone breaks, a callus starts to form in the area of the fracture. This callus is a type of collagen-rich bone tissue that’s soft at first but hardens over time.
New bone will start to form and replace the callus when osteoblasts (new bone-forming cells) move in weeks after the break. The new bone continues to develop until it completely replaces the callus.
Within a few months after the fracture, you will have completely new bone tissue to repair the break. It will then be almost impossible to break the bone in the exact same spot thereafter because the bone will be thicker and stronger in that spot than in the surrounding bone.
What You Experience During Healing
The following steps are what you will go through as your broken bone is healing:
Pain Decreases
When you first break a bone, you may have extreme pain – especially when you move or try to move the body part. The pain may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain. The pain also worsens if pressure is placed on it.
As your bone heals, this decreases. If you have a cast placed around the area, you will likely feel almost no pain anymore because the bone is stabilized.
Range of Motion Increases
You may have a very limited range of motion at first where the break is. Gradually, you will regain your range of motion as a sign that your broken bone is healing.
Swelling Goes Down
Swelling develops after you break a bone due to the rush of blood to the area. However, as the callus develops, swelling at the site will decrease.
Bruising Subsides
Bruising doesn’t always happen with a broken bone. However, if you do have bruising, it’ll change colors and start to fade over time. Your body slowly absorbs the blood, which is why the bruise changes colors.
Orthopedic Clinic in Clinton Township, MI
At Movement Orthopedics, Dr. Jeffrey Carroll leads our orthopedic medical team in treating everything from broken bones to sprained ankles. We understand the importance of treating a broken bone as soon as possible, and our orthopedic urgent care is equipped to diagnose and treat you quickly.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carroll, contact us today by calling our friendly staff at (586) 436-3785 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
