How do I know if I've broken a bone? The 3 most common signs of a broken bone also known as a fracture are: pain swelling deformity However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a bone is broken if it is not out of its normal position.
If you've broken a bone: you may hear or feel a snap or a grinding noise as the injury happens there may be swelling, bruising or tenderness around the injured area you may feel pain when you put weight on the injury, touch it, press it, or move it the injured part may look deformed — in severe breaks, the broken bone may be poking through the skin You may also feel faint, dizzy or sick as a result of the shock of breaking a bone. Always call for very severe suspected breaks, such as a broken neck or back.
However, when too much force is put on a bone than it can take on, it can break. As we age, our bones become less dense, which means there is less collagen and calcium phosphate within the bone. The less-dense a bone is, the weaker it is. Because of this, less dense bones are more prone to fractures as less force is necessary to push them to the breaking point. Depending on the type and strength of force applied, a fracture can be minor or major.
Treatment for a broken bone depends entirely on the type and severity of the fracture. Fractures are different from other injuries to the skeleton such as dislocations, although in some cases it can be hard to tell them apart. Sometimes, a person may have more than one type of injury.
If in doubt, treat the injury as if it is a fracture. The symptoms of a fracture depend on the particular bone and the severity of the injury, but may include:. Trauma to the head, chest, spine or pelvis can fracture bones such as the skull and ribs. These fractures are further complicated by the underlying body structure that the bone normally protects. Some of these fractures can be very difficult to manage using first-aid principles only as they may represent life-threatening injuries. Always seek emergency assistance if you suspect this type of fracture.
Good first-aid care of fractures is always important. Moving the broken bones can increase pain and bleeding and can damage tissues around the injury. This can lead to complications in the repair and healing of the injury later on. First aid for fractures is all about immobilising limiting movement of the injured area.
Splints can be used for this. Control any external bleeding. Complicated breaks where a limb is very deformed may need to be realigned before splinting — only paramedics or medical staff should do this. Fractures of the head or body such as skull, ribs and pelvis are all serious and should be managed by paramedics. If you suspect a bone fracture, you should:. Doctors can diagnose bone fractures with x-rays. Broken bones heal by themselves — the aim of medical treatment is to make sure the pieces of bone are lined up correctly.
The bone needs to recover fully in strength, movement and sensitivity. Some complicated fractures may need surgery or surgical traction or both. Depending on where the fracture is and how severe, treatment may include:.
A cast made from plaster of Paris is one of the most common ways of immobilising a limb. This cast is made from a preparation of gypsum that sets hard when water is added. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the operation procedures can include:.
After surgery, your doctor will check that you have full feeling in the area. For example, if you have a broken arm in plaster, they may ask you to wiggle your fingers. They will also check your limb for tingling, pallor pale colour or coolness. The injured part is kept as still as possible in the first few days. Nurses will offer you pain-relieving medication.
They will determine the difference between the pain of your fracture and any pain that could be caused by the splint, traction, plaster cast, poor alignment of the limb or swelling of the limb.
Blood clots that form on the broken ends of bone are the start of the healing process. This is more common in athletes and military recruits. Fractures can also be caused by diseases that weaken the bone. This includes osteoporosis or cancer in the bones. Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. Symptoms of a broken or fractured bone may include:. The symptoms of a broken bone may seem like other health conditions or problems.
Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will take a full health history including asking how the injury happened. You will also have a physical exam. Tests used for a fracture may include:. The goal of treatment is to put the pieces of bone back in place, control the pain, give the bone time to heal, prevent complications, and restore normal use of the fractured area.
Most fractures are caused by accidents such as falls, or by other injuries. But there are some things you may be able to do to reduce your risk of bone fractures. These include:. See a healthcare provider any time you think you may have a broken bone. An open fracture one in which the bone comes through the skin so you can see it or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin is considered an emergency.
Get medical care right away for this type of fracture. Any injury to the bones of the spine is also a medical emergency. These cause severe back pain and may cause nerve problems. These include numbness, tingling, weakness, or bowel and bladder problems. Call if you think someone has a break in the bones of their spine.
Skip to content. Fractures Not what you're looking for? Start New Search. What is a fracture? Or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin. Closed fracture simple fracture. The bone is broken, but the skin is intact. Here is a list of types that may happen: Greenstick.
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