While it can depend on the type and severity of a bone fracture, most injuries heal within several weeks with medical intervention, such as casting and/or surgery. However, some people continue to experience pain weeks, months, or even years after the fracture has fully healed.
In most cases, broken bones will go through three distinct stages during the healing process:
Keep in mind that more serious injuries may entail a longer recovery timeline, while less severe injuries may heal at a faster rate.
Chronic pain after a bone fracture is not a frequent occurrence, but it can cause discomfort and mobility issues in the people it impacts. In general, one or more of the following issues can lead to chronic pain:
Some people also experience weather-related pain issues after breaking a bone. However, it is not entirely clear why weather changes can cause aches and pains.
It’s important to visit your doctor to address chronic pain issues related to previous fractures. Diagnosing the underlying cause of pain is the first step towards finding suitable treatment. For example, if an infection is causing issues, doctors may need to prescribe antibiotics.
When it comes to things like improper healing or faulty medical devices, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue. If there is no clear underlying cause of chronic pain, physical therapy may be recommended. Targeted exercise can boost muscle strength and stability, which may also mitigate any pain being experienced.