Fractures Health Video

Bone fractures are breaks or cracks in the bone that generally require immobility devices like casts or braces to heal properly. Learn more about fractures, including symptoms and treatments, in this video.

Take Action

Contact a doctor for severe pain & swelling
Follow doctor's recommendations as the fracture heals
Be careful when performing dangerous activities

About this Author

Dr. Ulrich joined On Call Medical Group in 2006. She had previously practiced at Doctors Medical Center in Richmond, Calif., and prior to that worked with the uninsured and homeless population of San Francisco at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic. Throughout her medical career, Dr. Ulrich as also been involved in numerous medical research studies. Dr. Ulrich holds a B.S. from Harvard University, an M.P.H. for the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

SKYLAR ULRICH, MD: Hi. I'm Dr. Skylar Ulrich. I'm going to talk about fractures. Fractures are broken bone. It is any compromise in the integrity of the bone structure. It can occur anywhere in the body. Symptoms are generally localized pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, or the inability to move the limb. If it is a fracture in the lower extremity, generally, the person will not be able to bear weight on that extremity. Really, the symptoms differ depending on the area of the fracture. A fracture can be differentiated from a sprain by the degree of pain, swelling, bruising, and decreased range of motion. Treatment of fracture depends on the area that is fractured. If a toe is fractured, treatment may only require body tape to the adjacent toe; however, in certain arm fractures or leg fractures, surgery may be required. It really depends on the area that is fractured. Prevention of fractures is basically by being careful.