A broken bone occurs when one or more of your bones partially or completely breaks or fractures. This can happen in many ways (lengthwise, crosswise, in numerous pieces).
Depending on the degree of the injury, fractures can take up to multiple weeks to months before healing properly. You’ll need to see a doctor for broken bone treatment in Spartanburg.
If you or somebody close to you has broken a bone in Spartanburg, SC, please consult with our expert injury physicians at Injury Medicine immediately. Our expertise allows us to spot and diagnose broken bones, determine the best treatment, manage your pain and provide top-tier rehabilitation for recovery.
Call us at 864-866-PAIN now!
Causes of Broken Bones
A fracture – typically a medical term – and a broken bone essentially refer to the same thing. The most common causes of broken/fractured bones include:
Trauma
Bones are generally resilient. However, when the bone is subjected to immense trauma, it may break or crack. This is because the force exerted is greater than the bone can withstand. Bones are most fragile when twisted. Broken bones can result from car accidents, falls, or sports accidents.
Osteoporosis
This is a medical complication that causes the bones to weaken. Osteoporosis generally occurs when there’s a reduction in bone density.
When someone has osteoporosis, the bones typically get weaker and porous, which increases the likelihood of fractures, particularly in the spinal vertebrae, hip, and some peripheral joints like the wrists.
Overuse Injuries
Also referred to as repetitive motion, overuse can result in stress fractures. Repetitive movements or overuse can wear muscle and apply extra pressure on the bone, resulting in stress fractures. This is prevalent in military recruits and athletes.
Types of Fractures
A fracture can be categorized as either closed or open.
- Open fracture (compound fracture): This type of fracture wounds the surrounding tissue, and the bone may either penetrate through the skin surface. Or a grave wound exposing the bone beneath the skin surface.
- Closed fracture (simple fracture): This is whereby there’s a broken bone that doesn’t inflict harm to surrounding tissue or rip through the skin surface.
Most bone fractures can happen due to high-impact trauma or force. It can be because of violent trauma, accident, or sports injury. Although broken bones may be traumatic and painful, most of them aren’t life-threatening. But will still need you to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of a Broken Bone
Symptoms of a broken bone differ depending on the area affected, the degree of injury, and an individual’s general health and age. Nevertheless, individuals suffering from a fracture will generally exhibit one or more of these symptoms:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Bluish color on the affected region
- Evident deformity in the affected region
- Unable to apply weight to the area
- Unable to physically move the area
- Bleeding, in case of a compound fracture
- Grating feeling in the affected joint or bone
How Is a Broken Bone Diagnosed?
Your healthcare physician will take a comprehensive health history examination where they establish what resulted in the fracture. From there, you’ll need to undergo a physical assessment. Imaging tests used to diagnose a broken bone include:
- X-ray – This diagnostic test utilizes electromagnetic rays to penetrate the body and visibly show pictures of organs, bones, and internal tissues on film.
- MRI – This imaging assessment utilizes radio frequencies, big magnets, and a computer to show clear pictures of what’s happening within the body in real time. This is an excellent way to detect a bone fracture.
- CT scan – This imaging exam utilizes X-rays and a computer to showcase the internal body images required. A CT scan typically displays details of organs, fat, muscles, and bones.
What Are the Most Common Broken Bones?
While any bone in your body can be broken or fractured, some bones are more prone to injuries. These include:
What Is the Treatment for a Broken Bone?
The objective of any injury victim is to receive top-of-the-line treatment. Here at Injury Medicine in Spartanburg, SC, we set the bone if it’s out of alignment, apply a splint or cast, alleviate the pain, and provide the injured bone with sufficient time to heal.
Orthopedic surgery may be needed for some severe fractures.
Rehabilitation for a Broken Bone
Recovery from bone fractures can take up to 8 weeks. As your broken bone starts to heal, rehabilitation can go a long way in reducing stiffness. Some techniques include:
- Hydrotherapy – Water buoyancy alleviates body weight, allowing for efficient functional movements like step-ups, lunging, or squatting. The hydrostatic pressure helps decrease swelling, which reduces pain and increases the range of motion.
- Massage – Massage therapy assists in minimizing scar tissue development and assists in alleviating swelling and pain.
Get Expert Broken Bone Treatment in Spartanburg, SC!
In the event you experience a broken bone, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. If you find yourself suffering from a broken bone, you need to seek out medical aid immediately.
Follow the doctor’s instructions if you want to make a full recovery.
If you or somebody close to you has a broken bone, you can count on our physicians at Injury Medicine to provide top-tier broken bone treatment in Spartanburg, SC. Please contact us today at 864-866-PAIN.
