Fractures/Broken Bones

Fast Treatment Is Needed to Set Broken Bones

If you have a broken bone, fast treatment is critical. Your provider needs to set the bone so it will heal properly. Additionally, your provider can help you with pain management. Learn about bone fracture symptoms and go to the emergency room if you think you have broken a bone.

If you think you may have broken a bone, seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment ensures you will have the optimal treatment outcome.

Types of Bone Fracture

There are numerous types of bone fractures. However, the most common are:

• Stable
  • The broken ends are aligned.
• Compound
  • The bone pierces the skin.
• Transverse
  • The fracture line is horizontal.
• Oblique
  • The fracture line forms an angled pattern.
• Comminuted
  • The bone shatters into at least three pieces.

Bone Fracture Symptoms

You can expect a myriad of symptoms if you break a bone. Some common symptoms are:

• Intense Pain
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Deformity
• Inability to bear weight on the bone
• Limited Mobility

How to Tell If a Bone Is Fractured or Bruised

A bone bruise occurs when tiny fractures form in the outer layer of the bone. Fluid builds up in the cracks, creating uncomfortable symptoms. A bone bruise might cause:

• Significant Pain
• Swelling and Tenderness
• Stiff Joints
• Changes in Skin Color

Because the symptoms are similar to a fracture, it’s important to go to the emergency room for diagnosis.

Bone Fracture Diagnosis

After examining the injury, your doctor will use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. This can include:

• X-Rays
• Bone Scans
• CT Scans
• MRIs

Broken Bone Treatment

The treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture. If you break a finger or toe, your healthcare provider will use a splint to stabilize the bone and help it heal. However, if you have a bone broken in the foot, leg, or another body part, your provider will likely use a cast to support and stabilize it.

If a large amount of force is required to realign the bone, your doctor might recommend traction. Then, weights and pulleys will gently apply pressure to the tendons and muscles around the bone. This guides the bone back in place so it can heal.

Finally, you might need surgical intervention for a fracture. Then, the surgeon will use screws or pins to hold the bone in place so it can heal.

How Do Broken Bones Heal?

Your body’s natural healing system will get to work to help you recover from a broken bone. Cells come together to create a soft callous between the broken parts. Then, your body sends minerals to the callous so it transforms into bone.

If you let the bone heal naturally, it won’t align correctly. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical treatment. The doctor will stabilize and immobilize the bone so it will heal properly.

Broken bones are painful and can cause complications. Thus, if you have any symptoms, visit the emergency room immediately.

Have you sustained a serious injury? Our team at Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care can help. Our walk-in clinic is open 24/7 and no appointments are necessary.