Today my son fell at the playground and broke his arm. How long will the bone take to heal?
– Debra
Broken bones have an amazing ability to heal, especially in children. New bone forms within a few weeks of the injury, although full healing can take longer.
Your son's arm was probably put in a cast or splint. Casts and splints hold broken bones in place as they heal. Be sure to take care of the cast or splint so that it stays in good condition and doesn't cause skin irritation.
A broken bone is a common, treatable childhood injury. Most breaks heal well. Within a few months, kids usually are back to all the activities they enjoyed before the broken bone.
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2018
