How Long Does It Take Bones To Heal?

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | February 8, 2026 | Personal Injury

Breaking a bone is painful and disruptive. Many people want a clear timeline, especially when the injury affects work, family responsibilities, and daily routines. While every fracture is different, most bones follow the same general healing process, and there are typical timeframes doctors often use as a guide. Keep reading below to learn more.

How Bones Heal After a Fracture

Bone healing happens in stages. Your body begins repairing the injury immediately, even if the recovery feels slow.

The process usually includes:

• Inflammation: Shortly after the break, blood clots form around the fracture. This helps protect the area and begins the healing process.
• Bone production: Your body creates a soft callus made of collagen. Over time, it hardens as new bone forms.
• Bone remodeling: The bone gradually reshapes and strengthens. This stage can persist for months after the bone appears to “heal” on an X-ray.

Most people start to feel steady improvement within a few weeks, but full strength and comfort often take longer than the first signs of healing. 

Average Bone Healing Times

A common estimate for many fractures is six to 12 weeks, but some bones heal faster, and others take longer.

Here are some estimated general timelines by bone type:

• Fingers and toes: Three to six weeks
• Wrist and forearm: Six to eight weeks
• Ankle: Six to 10 weeks
• Arms and legs: Eight to 12 weeks
• Ribs: About six weeks
• Hip fractures: Three months or longer

Keep in mind that “healed” can mean different things. A doctor may see healing on imaging before you feel fully comfortable using the area normally. 

What Affects How Long Bones Take To Heal?

Several factors can change recovery time, even for the same type of fracture.

Age

Children often heal more quickly than adults. Healing can take longer as people get older, especially if they have other health issues.

Type of Fracture

A clean, simple break often heals faster than a displaced, shattered, or multiple-piece fracture. Open fractures, in which bone protrudes through the skin, typically take longer and may require surgery.

Bone Location and Blood Supply

Bones with better blood flow tend to heal more efficiently. Some bones, such as the scaphoid in the wrist, can heal more slowly due to limited blood supply.

Overall Health

Certain conditions can delay healing, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and circulation problems. Smoking is also linked to slower bone healing.

Treatment Method and Follow-Through

Bones usually heal better when they are properly aligned and immobilized. Following medical instructions—including keeping weight off the area and attending follow-up appointments—can also make a difference.

What Bone Healing Can Feel Like

It is normal to have discomfort during the healing process. 

Many people experience:

• Swelling and stiffness
• Pain that improves gradually
• Weakness or limited movement

Physical therapy is common after certain fractures, especially those involving the wrist, ankle, hip, or leg. It can help restore mobility and strength once the bone is stable.

Signs a Bone May Not Be Healing Properly

Sometimes a bone heals more slowly than expected (delayed union) or does not heal fully (nonunion). If your symptoms do not improve over time, your doctor may want additional imaging or treatment.

Possible warning signs include:

• Pain that does not lessen as expected
• Ongoing swelling
• Difficulty using the limb after the normal healing window
• Little or no progress on follow-up X-rays

If you notice these signs, it is important to contact your medical provider.

Why Bone Healing Timelines Matter After an Accident

Broken bones can require weeks or months of medical care, time away from work, and limitations that affect daily life. Even after the fracture heals, some people deal with stiffness, reduced range of motion, or lingering pain.

Knowing what healing typically involves can help you plan for recovery and understand why consistent treatment and follow-up care are important.

Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation with Our San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers

A fracture can lead to more than pain. It can mean medical bills, time away from work, and real limits on your day-to-day life. If someone else’s carelessness caused your broken bones, our team can explain your next steps and how a claim may help.

To speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer, contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers today to set up your free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

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We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
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