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After a fracture

The bone has healed, and now the joint is stiff and the muscle has wasted. That is expected, it is not a complication, and almost all of it comes back with steady daily use.

Do not wait for an appointment

Aching as you start moving is expected. These are not.

The limb becomes swollen, red and hot, or you feel feverish
Pain suddenly increases having been settling
The fingers or toes become numb, pale, cold or blue
The limb becomes painful, shiny and exquisitely sensitive to light touch
You cannot move the joint at all, or you feel a new snap or give way

After the plaster comes offBone & joint diseaseMost stiffness settles in 6–12 weeks

Do this

Expect the stiffness. A joint held still for six weeks is always stiff when it comes out. That is the plaster's doing, not the fracture's
Move it little and often. Five minutes, several times a day, beats one long session — and hurts less afterwards
Use the limb for ordinary things. Washing, dressing, eating and carrying light objects restore more than any exercise
Expect swelling for some weeks, particularly at the end of the day. Elevate it when you sit
Expect aching in the first few days of moving again. Discomfort during and shortly after is normal; pain lasting hours means you pushed too hard
Tell us how much weight you have been told to put through the leg, if you are not sure. It changes week by week and it is important to get right

Avoid this

Resting it further because it is stiff. Stiffness is treated by movement, and more rest makes it worse
Forcing the joint, or letting someone pull or manipulate it to "free it up"
Comparing your progress with someone else's fracture. Site, age and fixation all change the timeline
Stopping the exercises as soon as it feels normal. The last part of movement and the last of the strength are the slowest to return
Heavy lifting or sport until we have said the bone is ready, however well it feels

The questions everybody asks

Why is it so stiff if the bone has healed?

Because the joint was not moving while the bone was.

The tissues around a joint shorten and stick when they are held still, and the muscle wastes surprisingly fast. None of that is damage — it is disuse, and it reverses with use. The bone was the slow part; this is the part you control.

How long until it feels normal?

Six to twelve weeks for most of it.

Movement usually returns before strength, and strength before confidence. A little swelling and aching at the end of the day can persist for months after everything else is back, which is normal and not a sign anything is wrong.

Should the exercises hurt?

A little, during — not for hours afterwards.

Working into discomfort is how the joint regains movement. The test is the next morning: if it is no worse, the amount was right. If it aches all evening, do less and more often rather than stopping.

When can I go back to work or sport?

It depends on the limb and the job.

Desk work often resumes long before a joint is fully moving. Manual work, driving and sport depend on the bone having consolidated and the muscle having recovered enough to protect it. Ask us specifically about your work rather than working to a general rule.

Guides for you

In your language, free to download. Each one is a short PDF you can keep on your phone or print.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm · 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Call 87665 22099 WhatsApp

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Call 92702 84859 WhatsApp

Other conditions

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.

Nallasopara West Virar East