What is a fracture?
A fracture is a break in the bone, which is often the result of a traumatic injury. Fractures are common, especially if you play sports or are involved in high-impact activities. Car accidents, falls, or certain medical conditions that affect bone health can also result in fractures.
What are common types of fractures?
At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division, the team of physicians treats a wide range of fractures, including:Â
- Distal radius fracture: broken wrist
- Metacarpal fracture: a break in the hand
- Metatarsal fracture: break in the toe or foot
- Fibula fracture: break between the knee and ankle on the outside of the leg
- Tibial plateau fracture: a break in the knee joint
- Radial head fracture: break in the forearm
- Humeral fracture: break in the upper arm
- Stress fractures: small breaks due to overuse or repetitive motions
- Scaphoid fracture: a break in one of the wrist bones
What are the symptoms of a fracture?
The symptoms of a fracture vary depending on which part of the body is affected; however, there are some telltale signs that something is wrong, such as:
- Pain: mild to severe; generally gets worse with movement
- Swelling: area may look puffy or enlarged
- Bruising: skin may appear red, blue, black, or other abnormal colors
- Immobility: inability to move the affected area normally
- Deformity: the bone and surrounding area may look warped or deformed
How are fractures treated?
Treatment for a fracture depends on the nature and severity of the break, as well as the patient’s needs. Usually, your physician treats a fracture with a cast or a splint to immobilize the area and allow the bone to naturally align and heal. With smaller fractures, like in the fingers or toes, your physician can achieve this same objective with wrapping, instead of a cast.
Depending on your level of pain and discomfort, your physician might prescribe medication for pain, swelling, and inflammation. After you’ve begun the healing process, you might also benefit from physical therapy or stretching exercises to help strengthen the bone and surrounding ligaments for long-term mobility.
In some cases, a fracture requires surgery. If you need surgical intervention, your physician can explain all of your options to you. The practice offers several methods of minimally invasive surgery, which allows for a shorter recovery.
For an assessment from an orthopedic specialist, call or book an appointment online today.
