If you have a broken bone (wrist, arm, ankle, or leg), you may need to wait until the swelling subsides before undergoing surgery. This will reduce any difficulties that may arise during and after the treatment. Surgeons may have trouble sealing the incision after operating on a swollen limb. The time it takes for a bone to heal depends on the type of injury involved. Simple fractures may completely heal in four to six weeks while more complex injuries may take months to heal. Regardless of the length of time it takes to heal, you should try to keep weight off of the injured area and apply ice packs to help relieve pain and swelling. If you are unable to do so within a few days of the injury, see your doctor so that you do not develop complications such as infection.