In the U.S., roughly 1 in 2 people will experience a broken bone by the time they turn 63. While broken bones are more common in young children, due to their activity levels and playtime, and the elderly, because of their loss of bone density, anyone can break a bone. Bone breaks are referred to by doctors as bone fractures or fractures and occur when there is trauma, such as a hard fall, a medical condition or repetitive movements that cause stress.
There are many kinds of fractures, and many of them are detected and diagnosed through imaging tests such as x-rays, bone scans, CAT scans or MRIs. Some types of fractures include hairline fractures, referring to a crack in the bone; transverse fractures, where there is a complete break running perpendicular to the long side of the bone; partial fractures, which is an incomplete break of the bone; or complete fractures, where the bone completely breaks and is separated into two or more pieces.
Some indications you might have a fracture include:
- Increased pain if you try and move the injury
- Numbness
- Swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the site
- If the area of the injury looks deformed or abnormal
Broken bones must be treated for them to heal normally. If not, they can cause issues later down the line. The two most common types of broken bone treatment include casts or splints. Casts and splints are a form of immobilization that stabilizes the bone to prevent it from moving; otherwise, more damage can be caused, exacerbating the broken bone and leading to a longer recovery time, or possibly even surgery.
The job of a splint is to prevent movement around the injury and is generally a temporary treatment until further medical care can be provided. Splints straighten and support the extremity with a solid material, such as a rod, and is fastened in place by strips of cloth, tape or rope—depending on whether you’re making a homemade splint or a medical professional is providing treatment. Splints are generally made out of materials that make them removable, but more importantly, adjustable.
A cast has the same function as a splint, preventing the injury from moving to promote healing. Casts wrap around the entire site of the injury and are commonly made from fiberglass or plaster. This durable material means that casts need to be removed by a doctor.
Deciding between a splint or a cast can be dependent on the location and seriousness of the fracture. In severe cases, a doctor will perform surgery to install screws and pins to keep the bones in place and foster proper healing.
While bone breaks are often the product of a fall or accident, and in some instances, the result of arthritis or osteoporosis, there are some steps people can take to minimize and prevent damaging bones or shorten recovery time. Treating your body with care will help your bones become strong and remain strong throughout your life. Healthy habits to incorporate into your daily routine to prevent fractures include:
- Regular exercise is vital to providing your bones with a healthy amount of stress to encourage them to grow thick and strengthen.
- Healthy eating is essential to providing your bones with the nutrients they need to grow and strengthen properly. The most important vitamins for bone density and health are calcium and vitamin D.
- Avoid smoking because tobacco smoke slows down the cells that create bones. This weakens bones over time and will make the healing process after a fracture take longer.
You should never delay treatment if you think your injury might be a fracture. Fortunately, at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care, you do not have to choose between an urgent care clinic or an emergency room to get the care you need. Under a unique hybrid model, Riverview Health offers both emergent and non-emergent care, and you are only billed for the level of care you receive.
With the ER open 24-hours a day, year-round, and the urgent care clinic open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Riverview Health is one of the only health care systems in Hamilton County providing transparency and quality care. There is no need for an appointment, but pre-registration is available. Learn more about Riverview Health and find a location near you at www.riverview.org/locations.
