Fractures (Broken Bones)

What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is a medical term for a broken or cracked bone. Bones are strong, but they can break when too much force is applied or when they are weakened.

Fractures can happen suddenly, such as from a fall or accident, or develop over time due to repeated stress. These smaller cracks are known as stress fractures.



There are several types of fractures, including:

• Simple (closed) fractures, where the skin is not broken
  
• Open (compound) fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin
  
• Stress fractures, which are small cracks from overuse
  
• Displaced fractures, where the bone pieces move out of alignment

Fractures can affect people of all ages, and healing time depends on the location and severity of the injury.

What Causes a Fracture?

Fractures occur when a bone is exposed to more force than it can handle or when the bone becomes weakened.

Common causes of bone fractures include:

• Falls: Slips or falls are one of the most common causes of broken bones, especially in older adults.
• Sports injuries: High-impact activities or contact sports can lead to fractures.
• Accidents: Car accidents or other trauma can cause severe or multiple fractures.
• Overuse: Repetitive motion or stress can lead to stress fractures, especially in athletes or runners.
• Weak bones: Conditions like osteoporosis can make bones more fragile and more likely to break.

In some cases, even minor injuries can cause fractures if the bone is weakened.

Signs and Symptoms of a Fracture

Fracture symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the injury.

Common signs of a broken bone include:

• Severe pain at the injury site
• Swelling and bruising 
• Difficulty moving or using the affected area
• Deformity or an unusual shape of the limb
• Tenderness when touched
• In some cases, a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury

An open fracture may involve bone visible through the skin, which requires immediate medical attention.

How Is a Fracture Diagnosed?

A fracture is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests.

Diagnostic steps may include:

Medical history and exam
A health care provider will assess symptoms, how the injury occurred and examine the affected area.

Imaging tests

• X-rays are the most common way to confirm a fracture
• CT scans or MRI may be used for more complex or hard-to-detect fractures

These tests help determine the type of fracture and the best treatment approach.

How Is a Fracture Treated?

Fracture treatment depends on how severe the break is and where it is located.

At-Home Care (Initial Care)

If a fracture is suspected:

• Keep the area still and avoid movement
• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Elevate the injured area if possible
• Seek medical care promptly

Medical Treatment

Common treatments for fractures include:

• Immobilization: Casts, splints or braces are used to keep the bone in place while it heals.
• Reduction: A provider may need to realign the bone if it is out of place.
• Surgery: Severe fractures may require orthopedic surgery using plates, screws or rods to stabilize the bone.
• Healing Time: Healing time varies, but many fractures take 6 to 8 weeks or longer to heal. Factors such as age, overall health and the type of fracture can affect recovery time.

How to Reduce the Risk of Fractures

While not all fractures can be prevented, certain steps can help reduce the risk of broken bones.

Helpful prevention strategies include:

• Wearing protective gear during sports
• Using proper footwear to prevent falls
• Keeping living spaces free of tripping hazards
• Maintaining strong bones with adequate calcium and vitamin D
• Staying active to improve balance and strength

Taking steps to improve bone health can lower the risk of fractures, especially as you age.

Fractures are common injuries that often heal well with proper care. However, prompt treatment is important to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Severe pain or inability to move a limb
• Visible deformity
• Swelling that worsens quickly
• Signs of an open fracture
• Numbness or loss of circulation

If you think you may have a broken bone or stress fracture, a health care provider can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right treatment plan.

At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.

If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.

Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is not available. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon-Sun. All locations have X-ray capabilities on site.

OrthoConnect – Urgent care for orthopedics with same- or next-day appointments available in most cases, and a walk-in clinic Tues-Thurs. from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. X-ray capabilities are available on site for quick assessment of any suspected fracture.

Sports Medicine Hotline – Call 757-534-6767, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., 7 days a week to schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist. Same day/next day availability in most cases.

If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368.