Hairline fractures are easily dealt with, but medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent the injury from worsening. Ignoring a hairline fracture can lead to a more serious fracture or break occurring , which is more difficult to treat.
How long does it take to recover from a hairline fracture?
Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to keep weight off an injured foot or leg. You can also wear protective footwear or a cast. Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it’s important to modify your activities during that time.
Can a hairline fracture heal on its own?
The majority of hairline fractures will heal by themselves if the person refrains from activities that put a strain on the affected area . For the first 24 to 48 hours, a person can help the healing process by elevating the affected area and applying ice where possible.
Do hairline fractures require a cast?
Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture. You likely won’t need a cast , but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.
Is a hairline fracture worse than a break?
There’s no difference between a fracture and a break . A fracture is any loss of continuity of the bone. Anytime the bone loses integrity—whether it’s a hairline crack barely recognizable on an X-ray or the shattering of bone into a dozen pieces—it’s considered a fracture.
What is the fastest way to heal a hairline fracture?
- Apply ice and take pain medications to control symptoms.
- Use a cast or splint to protect the stress fracture site.
- Start partial weight bearing only when pain free.
- Increase your activity to avoid recurrence of fracture.
Can you walk on a hairline fracture?
Although one can walk on a foot with a stress fracture , these tiny hairline breaks should not be ignored as they can return unless properly treated.
Can a fracture heal in 2 weeks?
The repairing or reparative phase begins within the first few days after the bone fracture and lasts for about 2 – 3 weeks . During this time, the body develops cartilage and tissue in and around the fracture site.
How does a hairline fracture feel?
They can be hard to notice, but a dull pain often develops over time . Feelings of pain from light to moderate pressure can indicate a hairline fracture. Pain may be reduced using common painkillers, such as paracetamol.
What happens if a fracture is left untreated?
When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union . In the former case, the bone doesn’t heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.
Does ice make a fracture hurt more?
Ice and heat have contrasting effects on the inflammation of the site of injury. So, is heat or ice good for a broken bone? Applying ice to the site results in the constriction of blood vessels, reducing circulation and swelling. It may also be effective in reducing pain .
How long does a hairline jaw fracture take to heal?
Healing time varies with the type of fracture; in general, the average time to heal a jawbone fracture takes about six weeks . All antibiotics need to be taken as instructed.
Can a stress fracture turn into a break?
The real risk of a stress fracture is that it could become a full break , increasing the severity of your injury and the intensity of your pain.
Can a stress fracture heal in 2 weeks?
Treatment depends on the location of the stress fracture. Most stress fractures will heal if you reduce your level of activity and wear protective footwear for 2 to 4 weeks .
Can you walk with a hairline hip fracture?
Limited mobility: Most people with a hip fracture can’t stand or walk . Sometimes, it may be possible to walk, but it’s extremely painful to put weight on the leg. Physical changes: You may have a bruise on your hip. One of your legs may appear shorter than the other.
What does a hairline hip fracture feel like?
Signs and symptoms of a hip fracture include: Inability to get up from a fall or to walk . Severe pain in your hip or groin . Inability to put weight on your leg on the side of your injured hip.
