This article will explain four major signs of a fracture. It will also explore what a broken bone feels like, treatment options, and when to seek emergency medical attention.
With a fracture, blood can also leak from the broken bone itself. With more severe fractures, the leaking blood can cause bruising that is widespread.
Bruises tend to be purple at first and change to yellow as the injury heals.
All that extra fluid causes the soft tissues to swell, or appear puffy.
If the bone is sticking out through the skin, it may be both broken and dislocated. This type of injury is also called a compound or open fracture.
If you feel this and have other symptoms, there’s a good chance you have a fracture.
The injury impacts the head or spineThe fracture impacts a large bone, like your thigh bone (femur)The fracture feels extremely painful due to a large breakThe bone has punched its way through the skinA limb is obviously misaligned
If these don’t apply, you can likely wait to be examined. Call your healthcare provider’s office to set up an appointment.
A medical professional will use an X-ray to give you a diagnosis.
In most cases, a broken bone stays close to where it’s supposed to be. Dislocations cause stretching and sometimes even tearing of ligaments and tendons.
If you think you have a dislocation, contact your doctor right away, or head to urgent care.
Movement of the injury: Flex and extend what you can, although you might have to keep the injury still to allow it to heal. Elevate: Raise an injured arm or leg above the level of the heart. Traction: This is a technique where the injured individual uses weights and pulleys to pull the bone into alignment. This should only be done under doctor’s supervision. Heat: Apply warm, moist heat to the area. Be sure it’s not too hot.
Try to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen sodium) if you have a fracture. Anything that stops the inflammatory process, which is the immune system’s healing response, can slow down recovery.
Summary
A fracture, or broken bone, can be difficult to confirm without the use of an X-ray. However, there are some signs that indicate that you most likely have a fracture. These include:
BruisingSwellingA twisted or bent appearanceCrepitus, or a crunchy feeling beneath the skin
Go to the emergency room if your head or spine is injured, the fracture impacts a large bone, you are in excruciating pain, the bone is visible through the skin, or a limb is obviously not properly aligned. Otherwise, call your healthcare provider for advice on next steps.
Your doctor will offer you specific instructions for how to best care for your fracture, which may involve elevation, traction, and other measures.
A Word From Verywell
Whether you go to the emergency room or to your private healthcare provider, you’ll most likely have to get a temporary splint. You may then be referred to an orthopedic doctor, a physician who specializes in bones, joints, and muscles, who can give you a cast and decide if you need surgery.
With proper rest, along with following your healthcare provider’s instructions, you should be on your way to a healed bone.
