1. You May Be Able to Walk
A broken bone--or fracture--is caused by trauma to a particular area of the body. Notice that the first fracture symptoms are usually pain and swelling. The area around the injury may feel numb or have a "pins and needles" sensation. If the break is particularly severe and breaks through the skin, bleeding will accompany the break. It's a popular myth that if you can walk on an injured foot, it's not broken. But depending on the severity, you might be able to walk on a foot that's broken. It's best to be seen by a doctor if you have an injury that could possibly be a broken bone.
2. Is the Skin Broken?
There are two different main classifications of a broken bone: simple and compound. In a simple fracture, it's very difficult to tell that the bone is broken because the skin isn't broken. In a compound fracture, the skin is broken and sometimes the broken bone is actually sticking through the skin. Infection is a common problem with a compound fracture, so it's important to get it treated immediately. Two other ways that broken bones are classified are either as a complete or incomplete fracture. A bone classified as a complete fracture is one in which the bone is broken all the way through; conversely, an incomplete fracture is one in which the bone is only broken through part of the way. In addition, there are single fractures, where the bone is only broken in one place, or multiple fractures, where it's broken in more than one place.
3. Treating Broken Bones
It's important to get medical treatment right away if you think someone has a broken bone. Keep the person still, particularly the area in which the suspected break has occurred. If you think the person has broken a bone in their neck or back, it's imperative that you don't move them at all; doing so could lead to paralysis.
4. Re-align the Bone
A bone X-ray of the injured area is usually the first step in diagnosing a broken bone. When a diagnosis is made, the bone then needs to be re-aligned so that it will heal back to its original position. This is called setting the bone. When it's set, a hard plaster cast needs to be worn for six to eight weeks to keep the bone in that position while it heals. If the break is particularly severe, surgery might be required to insert pins into the bone to hold it in place.
5. Rehabilitation Really Helps
Most broken bones heal with no additional therapy needed. Rehabilitation or physical therapy is recommended with more severe breaks to help you return the area back to its full function. Expect some weakness in the area of the break after the cast is removed, but once you are allowed to return to your regular activities it usually regains strength quickly.
