What are the symptoms of fractures?

Fractures are one of the injuries we may encounter in our daily lives, usually in accidental falls, sports injuries or traffic accidents. There are many symptoms of fractures, and understanding these symptoms can help us identify and treat them in time.

The most obvious symptom is severe pain. When a bone is broken, the break in the bone stimulates the surrounding nerve endings, causing pain to be transmitted quickly to the brain. This pain usually occurs immediately after the injury and is worse when the injured part is moved. Imagine squeezing your fingers hard. That kind of pain will make you realize the seriousness of the problem immediately.

Then, swelling and bruising usually occur at the fracture site. This is because the fracture causes damage to the surrounding tissues, and blood and body fluids seep into the tissue spaces, causing swelling and bruising. The swelling may gradually increase within a few hours after the injury, like a small balloon hidden under the skin, slowly expanding.

Another common symptom is dysfunction. A fracture affects the normal alignment and function of the bone, making it difficult to use the injured part normally. For example, if you break your arm, you may not be able to lift or hold objects, and a broken leg may make walking difficult. This dysfunction can sometimes affect your daily life more than the pain.

A fracture may also cause deformity or unusual movement. In some severe cases, a fracture can cause the bone to move out of place, resulting in a noticeable deformity. Sometimes, there may be an unusual range of motion in the injured area, such as a sudden increase in flexibility in the joint, which usually requires immediate medical attention.

A fracture may also be accompanied by numbness or tingling. This is because the surrounding nerves may be compressed or damaged when the fracture occurs. Just like a numb leg after sitting for a long time, this feeling may linger after a fracture.

When facing a fracture, timely medical treatment is key. The doctor will determine the type and severity of the fracture based on the symptoms and imaging tests, and then develop an appropriate treatment plan. By understanding these symptoms, we can better protect ourselves and others and reduce the trouble caused by fractures. I hope this article can provide you with useful information. Let us pay attention to health and stay away from injuries.