Healing time without treatment

A bone fracture can also heal without any treatment. However, without immobilization there is an increased risk of complications. Small movements that occur repeatedly in the affected area without fixation can limit healing and small new bone connections can be broken up again.

There is a risk of the formation of a false joint, a pseudarthrosis. In addition, there may be axial deviations when growing together, which change the anatomy of the foot. These can be causes for the development of post-traumatic arthosis. The arch of the foot can also lower, resulting in a flat or splayfoot. The duration of healing can be negatively affected by minor trauma and may take longer than 6 weeks.

Healing time without plaster

If the fracture is so stable that surgery is not necessary, the foot is usually simply immobilized with a cast, tape or splint to allow the bones to grow together. The classic parameters of bone healing then apply. These depend on the individual condition of the patient (as described above).

However, immobilization usually takes about 6 weeks. By then the fracture has grown together again in a stable manner. It takes about 2 more weeks until the foot is fully resilient again.

How long are you on sick leave

The duration of the sick leave depends on the treatment of the fracture, concomitant diseases and the individual medical history of the patient. It also depends on the work the patient does. If the patient works on a construction site or as a roofer, he will only be able to work safely in his profession again after complete stabilization and will be on sick leave for a longer period. A patient who works at a desk without excessive strain on his or her feet will be able to work again sooner. The doctor can decide individually (after consultation with the patient) and after checking the X-ray findings, how long the patient should be put on sick leave.