Regaining strength and returning to daily activities after a bone fracture takes time and patience.

How long do bone fractures take to heal?

Broken bones take a varying amount of time to heal, mostly depending upon the type of bone broken, the patient's age and health, and the way that the bone is broken.

Conditions like osteoporosis cause one to have far longer healing times for broken bones.

What should I do to fully recover from a bone fracture?

Listen to your doctor and let your bone heal itself properly. A bone's living tissue is constantly changing and remodeling itself -- a process that you do not want to disrupt.

To promote a fast recovery:

• Follow your treatment plan. Your doctor will prescribe specific treatments, which may include surgery, the use of a cast or crutches, or other recommendations. Altering the treatment ahead of schedule may delay your recovery. If you remove a cast or splint, or walk on or use a broken bone before your doctor allows, you may be delaying your healing time.

• Ensure that you're getting enough calcium. Ensure that you are consuming the correct daily dose of calcium -- naturally or by taking an oral supplement. Though appropriate doses of calcium can help build bones and help prevent further fracture, overloading on calcium will not help your bones heal faster.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Healing bones require more nutrients that the body needs to simply maintain bone health. Patients with injuries should eat a balanced diet to promote healing.

• Quit smoking. Patients who smoke, on average, take a longer time to heal. They are also at a much higher risk of developing non-healing of the bone. Smoking restricts the blood flow to the bone. Healing is delayed when the blood, carrying necessary nutrients and cells that promote healing, is not properly delivered.

Learn about Duke treatments.