The healing of a fracture always depends on several factors. These include the age of the patient, concomitant diseases and injuries, blood flow to the tissue, type of fracture and care. In the case of simple, non-displaced (dislocated) fractures, conservative treatment can be applied. No surgery is necessary here. For most simple fractures, a plaster cast stabilisation of 6 weeks is usually sufficient for healing.
How long is the healing time with the right treatment
Depending on the type of fracture, the foot can even be loaded in plaster with appropriate shoes. Subsequently, the fracture can be expected to heal, which should be confirmed by X-ray. The foot can then be fully loaded again.
It may take several weeks to achieve full function and may require physiotherapeutic support. In more difficult fractures with dislocation or fractures of several bones of the metatarsus, surgery may be necessary. The hospital stay is usually only a few days, the healing time varies depending on the surgical procedure.
The surgeon indicates an estimated time for healing, during which the fracture should usually not be fully reloaded. After a confirmatory X-ray check, the foot can be fully loaded and exercised again after a certain time. The healing time after surgery is also shorter than with conservative treatment. As a rule, full consolidation can be expected after 8 weeks. The article: “Midfoot fracture – loaded too early” might also be of interest to you in this regard.
How to accelerate the healing time
Accelerating the healing time is not always easy, or even possible. In some cases patience is needed. The bone simply needs time to grow back together.
First of all, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding load and movement specifications. If certain movements are forbidden, they should be avoided consistently in order not to endanger the healing process. However, measures that increase blood circulation and lymph drainage can have a positive effect on healing.
For this purpose, certain techniques for isometric muscle tension are suitable (exercises in which the muscles are tensed but no movement takes place in the corresponding joint). The movement of surrounding joints can also improve the supply of tissue and thus the healing process. Elevation or manual lymphatic drainage can also accelerate healing.
Furthermore, a balanced diet and, if possible, nicotine and alcohol withdrawal should be observed. Blood sugar levels should also be well adjusted, as these are all factors that can negatively influence healing. Taking medication containing cortisone can slow down the healing process. In this case, however, a doctor must be consulted before changing the medication!
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