Health Information
Acute stage fracture management
Acute stage fracture management (by Sportsperformance Physiotherapy)
People heal from fractures at different rates depending on age, health, and injury severity. A fracture may heal from 4 to 8 weeks for minor breaks up to several months for more complex fractures. As a general guideline, bones require around three months to fully heal after a fracture occurs. Chronic medical conditions, advanced age or serious injuries can lengthen recovery.
Several self-care measures can help manage the pain and inflammation in the initial stages of a fracture:
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Rest: Rest the injured area by avoiding physical activities that aggravate the fracture, especially those that caused it.
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Iced: Apply ice packs wrapped in a thin towel to numb the pain and reduce swelling. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations on how often and for how long to ice the injury.
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NSAID: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Your doctor may also recommend topical lidocaine patches. Do not take painkillers for over ten days without consulting your doctor first.
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Elevation: Keep the fractured limb above your heart level as much as possible using pillows or cushions to minimise swelling.
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Compression: Use compression bandages or wraps to limit blood flow to the injured bone, helping with swelling.
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Immobilisation: Immobilises the fracture through casts, boots, splints or crutches to restrict movement and reduce pressure, as advised by your healthcare team.
The majority of stress fractures can heal with rest, modified activity and conservative treatments without requiring surgery. However, your healthcare provider may suggest surgical fixation if the fracture fails to heal properly, causes severe symptoms or impacts a joint like the hip that is prone to complications.
If non-surgical treatment options prove insufficient, an orthopaedic surgeon can perform internal fixation to stabilise the fracture by implanting devices like pins, screws or metal plates into the bone. This immobilises the broken parts while allowing healing to occur.Your doctor and surgeon will discuss the specifics of your procedure, what to anticipate during recovery, and how long it will take for your fracture to fully heal after surgery. In many cases, patients are instructed to continue physical therapy and limit weight bearing on the affected limb even post-operatively.
Internal fixation serves as an option for non-union fractures, displaced fractures or fractures with complications that preclude adequate functional healing through rest and rehabilitation alone. The surgical intervention aims to achieve durable stability and the best possible outcomes for the patient.Every case is unique, so consulting closely with specialists experienced in treating stress fractures can help determine the best management plan and decide if surgery is truly needed in your specific situation.
Go slow and follow medical advice for the best chance at a full recovery without re-injury or long-term complications from an improperly healed fracture. Most importantly, carefully follow your doctor's instructions regarding these conservative measures to maximise healing and recovery while avoiding complications. Surgery may become necessary for more complex or displaced fractures. Always contact your doctor with any worsening symptoms or concerns.
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