Forearm Fracture (Single or Double): Recovery Time

You’ve broken one or more bones in your forearm, and you’re wondering how long it will take to heal?

Physiotherapist, I’m here to reassure you!

Enjoy your reading 🙂 and don’t forget to comment if you have any questions, comments or experiences to share.

Summary : the bones of the forearm generally heal well and relatively quickly after a fracture or crack. After a month and a half to 2 months in adults, you’ll gradually be able to use your arm as before, most of the time. In children, it’s even quicker.

♻️ Last update: May 19, 2025.
👩‍⚖️ Declaration of financial interests: none directly related to the subject. My complete declaration of interest is in the legal notice section.
Written by Nelly Darbois, physiotherapist and scientific editor

What are the different types of forearm fracture?

We have 2 bones in the forearm.

The largest: the radius, on the inner side (towards the thumb).

The thinnest: theulna (also called ulna), on the outer side (towards the little finger).

You can break just one of these bones. This is often referred to as a simple forearm fracture.

Sometimes, both bones are broken. This is called a double forearm fracture.

Different names for forearm fractures

Depending on the precise location of the fracture and what it’s like, we sometimes give more precise names than “forearm fracture”.

Here are the most common names :

• wrist fracture : when the radius or ulna are broken at the lower end of the forearm. This is also known as a distal radius fracture;
• Pouteau-Colles fracture : the most common type of wrist fracture;
• scaphoid fracture: this bone is not really in the forearm, but in the wrist, but these fractures are sometimes classified as forearm fractures;
• fracture of the shaft of the radius or ulna: this is when the bones are broken in the middle, between the elbow and wrist;
• elbow fracture: when the ulna or radius is broken near the elbow. This is also known as a proximal radius fracture.

Different degrees of severity

Depending on how the bones are fractured, your fracture is also called something else, whatever its location.

Here are the types of forearm fractures, from the least annoying to those that may take longer to heal

1. non-displaced fracture : the bone fragments are not far apart;
2. displaced forearm fracture: the bone fragments are widely spaced. Surgery is sometimes required to bring them together and stabilize them;
3. open forearm fracture: the bone has broken through the skin and is in the air. Surgery is required;
4. Communitive fracture: the bone is broken in several places.

Your X-ray normally shows this. I’ll clarify later in the article the healing times you can reasonably expect depending on the type of fracture!

How do you know if you have a forearm fracture (symptoms)?

A forearm fracture does not usually go unnoticed.

Here are the main symptoms:

• you have fallen on your wrist, elbow or forearm, or you have received a shock in this area;
• you have severe pain, even without moving;
• you find it hard to move your arm and hold it close to you;
• swelling in the wrist, elbow or forearm, and possibly bruising;
• sometimes bone deformation is visible to the naked eye.

These symptoms may also be present after a shock or a fall, without necessarily resulting in a fracture.

For example, there may be a simple contusion (tissues are damaged, but not the bone) or ligament damage (distended or torn).

That’s why, when in doubt about a fracture, you’ll be prescribed an X-ray. An X-ray can confirm or refute the diagnosis of a forearm fracture.

And to say what type of fracture you have: it’s written on your X-ray report.

What influences healing time?

Research is being carried out in animals and humans to identify what causes bones to take longer to heal.

Here’s a list of known factors that can cause bone to take longer to heal (although in the vast majority of cases it will eventually heal!):

• the fracture is displaced;
• the bone is broken in several places (e.g. double forearm fracture);
• you have other health problems, such as diabetes;
• you smoke or drink alcohol;
• you are over 65 ;
• you are obese;
• you are taking setroids ;
• you are malnourished or anemic;
• you have been taking certain medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids for a long time.

Source : Sheen 2023

💡 You can also read my more comprehensive article dedicated to how long it takes for a bone to heal and how to influence it.

How long does it take to heal a forearm fracture?

First of all, we have to agree on what we mean by healing.

For me, there are 2 different things:

1. Consolidation time: when the bone has become as strong as before, or nearly so.

2. The more global healing time: when you manage to get everything back to the way it was before, or almost.

Consolidation time of a forearm fracture

As the bones of the forearm are small and relatively short, they generally consolidate a little faster than long bones.

The healing time for a forearm fracture is about 4-6 weeks when “everything is going well”. This is often the time when a follow-up X-ray is taken.

At this stage, consolidation is well under way but not complete. This is usually enough to ensure that the arm is no longer immobilized and can be used more and more.

If you have a displaced or complex fracture, consolidation may take longer.

Forearm fracture recovery time

Now, here are some more global recovery times after a forearm fracture.

You will see that the time ranges given are very wide: this is normal, as there is a big difference between the healing time of 2 people, even if they have the same type of fracture!

I know it’s frustrating not really knowing how long it’s going to take to recover properly. But it’s something that’ s hard to predict, even for your field health pros who take care of you.

Step	Healing time (usual)
You have much less pain	A few days to a few weeks
Bone healing well on the way	4 weeks to 3 months (much less in children)
Swelling and bruising disappear	A few days to a few weeks
No need for downtime	6 weeks to 3 months
You can gradually use your arm for eating and dressing.	A few weeks to a few months
You can start carrying weights (bags, dumbbells) with the fractured arm.	2 to 5 months
You can resume all your previous physical and sporting activities	3 to 8 months

3 tips to “speed up” the healing time of a forearm fracture

These recovery times probably seem very long to you, and you’re probably wondering how you can recover faster from your fracture.

Although research is ongoing, there is currently no drug, substance or therapy that can speed up bone healing.

On the other hand, there are certain things you can do to avoid hindering the consolidation process, which is perfectly capable of taking care of itself.

1. Do not smoke or drink alcohol during consolidation (or reduce consumption).

This is because these substances slow down the natural healing process in wounds.

2. Stay as active as possible.

At least 150 minutes of muscle- and heart-urging physical activity (light breathlessness) per week.

This is because physical activity stimulates bone cells to produce new cells, notably by speeding up blood circulation. In addition to the general positive effects of physical activity on physical and mental health.

You can ask your physiotherapist or any other professional if you can’t figure out on your own how to continue being physically active despite your fracture.

3 (If and only if you’re over 65 or have osteoporosis): take vitamin D and calcium (or make sure you’re getting enough in your diet and sun exposure, which is often difficult to objectivize): 800 to 1000 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day and 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium per day.

These substances help consolidate bone. But there’s no need to take them if you’re under 65 or don’t have osteoporosis.

Source: Roberts 2012, Prieto, Howe, Avenell

Conclusion on forearm fracture healing time

• Within a few weeks, your bones should be well on the way to consolidation.
• You can remain active during the consolidation period, which is even recommended to encourage consolidation.
• After 2 to 6 months, you should be able to “put everything back the way it was”.

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You have now reached the end of this article. I wish you a great recovery! See you in comments if you have any comments or questions 🙂.

If you feel the need to learn more about the recovery period after an injury, I wrote this guide in eBook format:

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