A force strong enough to cause a bone to break can occur while tripping and falling, during a motor vehicle accident or as a result from a direct blow to the area, such as during a sporting event. Broken bones can also be the result of violence (such as abuse) or repetitive stress, such as running.
If the injury does not appear to be a broken bone (it may, for instance, be a sprain, which occurs when ligaments are overextended or even torn), but the individual nevertheless expresses that he is in significant pain, you should call emergency services (911) or offer to escort him to a nearby clinic or hospital if his injury and/or pain is not urgent (e. g. , the injury is not bleeding profusely, the victim can still talk and form complete sentences, etc. ) If the person is unconscious or cannot communicate with you, or if the person is communicating but incoherent, you should call emergency services as this may be an indication of a head injury. See Part Two below.
The person may also describe a grating feeling or sound (like pieces of bone rubbing up against one another) when the area is moved, even if the individual doesn’t immediately experience pain. This is called crepitus. [5] X Research source
Acute pain — This is a heightened and intense feeling of pain that usually occurs right after the bone has broken. If you or another person expresses extreme pain, this could be a sign of a broken bone. Sub-acute pain —This type of pain occurs in the first few weeks after a break, particularly as the fracture heals. This pain primarily occurs because of the stiffness and muscle weakness that are effects of the lack of movement required to heal the broken bone (e. g. , in a cast or sling). Chronic pain — This is a feeling of pain that continues even after the bone and its tissues have healed and can occur several weeks or months after the initial break Note that it’s possible to experience some or all of these types of pain. Some people feel acute and sub-acute pain but not chronic pain. Other people may experience a fracture without any or minimal pain, like the baby toe or the spine.
Deformity in the area and movement in an unnatural direction Hematoma, internal bleeding, or severe bruising Difficulty moving the area The area looks shorter, twisted or bent Loss of strength in the area Loss of normal function of the area Shock Severe swelling Numbness or tingling in the area or below the area of the suspected break
Often broken bones will cause people to modify their behavior. For example, people will often avoid putting weight or pressure on that area. This is one indication that something is not right, even if you can’t see any broken bone with the naked eye. Consider the following three examples: a broken bone in the ankle or leg will often create enough pain that a person will not want bear weight on that leg; a broken bone in the arm or hand will create enough pain that a person will want to protect the area and not use the arm; pain from broken ribs will keep people from taking deep breaths.
Generalized pain with palpation (gentle pressure or prodding) over an area larger than three fingers width is more likely to be from ligament, tendon or other tissue damage from the injury. Note that immediate bruising and large amount of swelling more likely indicates tissue damage and not a broken bone.
Younger children cannot usually identify pinpoint pain or point tenderness well. They have a more generalized neurological response to pain than adults. It is difficult for children to rate how much pain they are feeling. The pain of a fracture for children is also much different because of their bones’ flexibility. Children’s bones are more likely to bend or partially snap than break. You know your child best; if their behavior suggests that they are in more pain than you expect from the injury then seek medical attention for the injury.
Do not move anyone with a pelvic or hip fracture; pelvic fractures can cause massive internal bleeding into the pelvic cavity. Instead, call emergency services right away and wait for medical support. However, if a person with this kind of injury absolutely must be transported without emergency medical attention, then place a roll or pillow between the person’s legs and secure the legs together. Roll the person onto a board for stabilization by rolling them as one piece. Keep the shoulders, hips and feet lined up and roll them all together while someone slides a board under her hips. The board must reach from the middle of the back to the knees. [11] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Do not move a person with a potential broken back, neck or head. Immobilize her in the position in which you find her and call for emergency help immediately. Do not try to straighten her back or neck. Tell emergency personnel you suspect a broken head, back or neck and why. Moving the person could cause severe long-term damage, including paralysis.
If there is severe bleeding, always take care of the bleeding before dealing with the broken bone.
Splint a broken arm or leg to give it support. Do not try to realign the bone. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source To make a splint you can use material you have on hand or can find nearby. Look for rigid material to make the splint, such as a board, stick, rolled up newspaper, and so on. If the body part is small enough (like a small toe or finger) it can be taped to the toe or finger next to it to provide stability and splinting. [14] X Research source Pad the splint with clothing, towels, blankets, pillows or anything else that is soft at hand. Extend the padded splint to beyond the joint above and below the break. For instance, if the lower leg is broken, the splint should go above the knee and lower than the ankle. [15] X Research source Similarly, breaks on joints should be splinted to both of the bones adjacent to the joint. Secure the splint to the area. You can use a belt, rope, shoelaces, anything that is handy that will keep the splint in place. Be careful when you apply the splint not to cause further injury to the body. Pad the splint well so it doesn’t add pressure to the injured area but only immobilizes it. [16] X Research source
The suspected broken bone is part of another major trauma or injury. The person is unresponsive. In other words, if the person is not moving or talking. If the person is not breathing, you should administer CPR. The person is breathing heavily. The limb or the joint appears to be deformed or bent at an odd angle. The area where the bone is broken is numb or bluish at the tip. The suspected broken bone is located in the pelvis, hip, neck, head or back. There is heavy bleeding.
Remember, do not move anyone at all if you suspect that the person’s head, back or neck is broken. Make the person comfortable and keep him warm. Pad the affected area with blankets, pillows or clothing to pad the area. Talk to the person to help distract from the pain. [21] X Research source
You could also use something from your freeze that you have on hand, such as a bag of frozen vegetables or fruit.
Though this article is intended to help you determine if you have broken a bone with an X-ray, it is strongly advised you visit a doctor as soon as possible if you have any suspicion that you broke something in a fall or other accident. If you walk around with a broken limb or other body part either knowingly or unknowingly for too long, it could lead to long term injury in the area.
