What is a fracture?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Some fractures are small and stable, while others are more serious and can cause the bone to move out of place. A fracture may happen suddenly after an injury or develop slowly over time from repeated stress on the bone.
Fractures can affect people of all ages and may happen in almost any bone in the body. Quick diagnosis and proper treatment are important to support healing and help you return to normal activities safely.
Fractures are often caused by:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Car accidents
- Twisting injuries
- Repetitive stress from running or other activities
Some health conditions can increase the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis, aging, and diseases that weaken bones can make bones more likely to break, even during minor injuries.
Symptoms
Fractures are usually caused by an injury or force placed on the bone, but some can happen because bones have become weak over time.
Common symptoms of a fracture may include:
- Sudden pain
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving the injured area
- Trouble walking or bearing weight
- Tenderness around the bone
- A limb that looks bent or out of place
- Redness or warmth near the injury
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how the injury happened, and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests are usually needed to confirm a fracture and determine how severe it is.
X-rays are commonly used to identify broken bones. In some cases, CT scans or MRI scans may be recommended to look more closely at complex injuries, stress fractures, or nearby soft tissues.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the type of fracture, where it is located, and whether the bone has shifted out of place. The main goal is to help the bone heal correctly while reducing pain and restoring movement.
Many fractures can be treated with:
- Rest and activity changes
- Splints, braces, or casts
- Pain-relieving medication
- Ice and elevation to reduce swelling
More serious fractures may require surgery to reposition and stabilize the bone. Surgeons may use plates, screws, rods, or pins to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Healing time varies from person to person. Some fractures improve within several weeks, while others may take months to fully recover. Physical therapy may help improve strength, flexibility, and movement during recovery.
Seek immediate medical care if a bone breaks through the skin, if severe swelling occurs, or if there is numbness, weakness, or possible spinal injury.
