However, it normally takes between 2 and 8 weeks. Depending on the position of the fractured bone, you may also need to utilize assistance equipment such as crutches. If you fail to follow instructions about physical activity during this time frame, you may experience complications such as chronic pain, muscle loss, and nerve damage. There are two types of fractures to the leg: open and closed. With an open fracture, part of the skin has been torn off the bone, exposing blood vessels and nerves that lie within reach of sharp objects. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage. A closed fracture doesn't involve the skin; rather, it involves pressure on a major blood vessel or nerve that causes it to bruise or bleed, eventually leading to a fracture. These injuries can be treated at a later date with little effect on the outcome. Compound fractures are any fracture of more than one bone in the same area of the body. They are usually caused by high-speed impacts against hard surfaces such as pavement or rocks. The force of the blow tears apart the tissue that holds the bones together, causing multiple wounds for each bone affected. Compound fractures can be difficult to treat and often require surgery to reduce the number of bones that are broken and to hold them in place while they heal together.