Bone Fracture: Symptoms,Causes and Treatments

People may experience sudden pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the affected area. Bone fractures can affect individuals of all ages, though seniors and athletes are at higher risk.

Types Of Bone Fractures

A bone fracture can generally be categorized based on its characteristics. These categories include:

• Transverse Fracture: Caused by traumatic events like falls or car accidents.
• Closed or Open Fractures: Closed if skin remains intact; open if the skin breaks.
• Greenstick Fracture: Hairline crack in bone, common in children due to bone flexibility.
• Hairline Fracture: Often a stress fracture common in -testfoot or lower leg from repetitive stress.
• Comminuted Fracture: Bone breaks into 3 or more pieces; fragments found at the fracture site.
• Avulsion Fracture: Tendon or ligament tears off a piece of bone.
• Compression Fracture: Common in the spine, causing vertebrae to collapse, especially in seniors with osteoporosis.
• Impacted Fracture: Broken bone ends come together forcefully.

Causes of Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones that can occur in people of all ages. They often result from external force or weakened bone strength and require proper care for healing. The common causes include:

• Traumatic incidents
• sports injuries
• vehicle accidents
• and falls can lead to bone fractures,
• especially for people with conditions such as osteoporosis and some types of cancer.

Conditions that Cause Bone Fracture

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)
• Bone Cancer (e.g., Osteosarcoma, Metastatic Bone Disease)
• Paget's Disease of Bone
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Rickets (Vitamin D Deficiency)
• Cushing's Syndrome
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of Bone Fracture

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruises
• Discolored skin around the affected area
• Protrusion of the affected area at an unusual angle
• Unable to put weight on the injured area
• Inability to move the affected area
• A grinding sensation in the affected bone or joint
• Bleeding if it is an open fracture

In more serious cases, people may experience:

• Dizziness
• Fainting or dizziness
• Nausea

Traumatic bone injuries can happen any time & anywhere. Book an Appointment today with our best orthopedists to avoid these serious consequences.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if:

• You experience intense pain or can't move the limb
• There's visible deformity or bone protrusion
• There's swelling that worsens quickly
• You heard a snap or grinding sound at the time of injury
• You're unable to bear weight or walk after a suspected bone fracture in foot

Diagnosis and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical evaluation and order imaging tests to determine the type and severity of the fracture.

• X-rays produce a two-dimensional image of the break.
• A bone scan is used to find fractures that do not show up on an x-ray.
• A Computed Tomography Scan uses computers and X-rays to create detailed cross-sections of the bone.
• An MRI creates very detailed images using strong magnetic fields. MRI is often used to diagnose a stress fracture.

Treatment and Management

Fracture management focuses on proper bone fracture healing:

• Splint, Brace, or Cast: Stabilize and support broken bone during healing.
• Traction: Uses pulleys and weights to gently stretch muscles and align bone ends.
• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) Surgery: Realignment of severe fractures using rods, screws, and plates.
• External Fixation: Metal pins or screws inserted above and below fracture site, connected to external metal bar.
• Recovery varies but bone fracture recovery time typically ranges from 6-12 weeks depending on age, type, and location of the break.

Prevention

• Always wear the seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle.
• Always wear the proper safety gear (helmets and other protective padding) for recreational activities such as bicycling, snowboarding, or contact sports.
• Keep hallways and stairwells free of tripping hazards.
• If a person has osteoporosis, exercise regularly to improve strength and balance.

Talk to the doctor about starting bone-building medications and supplements (such as calcium and vitamin D).

Home Remedies for Bone Fracture

• Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling
• Elevate the injured limb to minimize inflammation
• Use herbal oils (like turmeric or castor oil) under medical advice for pain relief
• Include food for bone fracture recovery such as dairy, leafy greens, nuts, and fish

Lifestyle Changes for Bone Fracture

• Follow a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which weaken bones
• Practice safe physical activity and use proper footwear
• Stay active with doctor-approved exercises to regain strength post-injury