Symptoms of bone fracture

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Bone fracture, as the name suggests, is a type of fracture characterized by a crack in the bone. Since it is a fracture, it shares all the common characteristics of fractures. Firstly, there is pain. The pain at the site of the bone fracture is very evident. Secondly, there is swelling. Local swelling should also be very apparent. Although it might be less severe than general displaced fractures, it is more pronounced than the swelling from soft tissue contusions. Thirdly, there is limited functionality. After a bone fracture, due to severe pain, sometimes, as the continuity of the bone is interrupted, the lever action of the bone may be reduced or lost, hence, the patient's limb movement will be restricted. Additionally, fractures have two characteristic complications: abnormal movement, and bone crepitus or bone friction sensation. Another possible sign is deformity. However, because patients with bone cracks often do not have noticeable displacement, deformity is not significant. However, during a physical examination of the patient, bone crepitus or bone friction sensation might be detectable. Yet, due to the lack of significant displacement, it is not necessary to forcefully elicit these signs. In cases where there is evident pain, swelling, and restricted activity, bone fracture should be suspected and it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital for radiographic confirmation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Lv Yao
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Will a bone fracture cause swelling?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture. It refers to the occurrence of a fissure fracture in the cortex of the bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. A bone fissure can also present symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Following a bone fissure, there will be localized bleeding, and the surrounding soft tissues may also be damaged, contributing to swelling. Therefore, in the early stages of a bone fissure, it is advisable to immobilize and rest the affected area. Cold compresses can be applied to reduce local blood flow, thereby easing bleeding and alleviating swelling.

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Can you move with a bone fracture?

Patients with fractures must absolutely avoid activity, as premature movement before callus formation can impede the growth of the fracture and even lead to the possibility of misalignment at the fracture site, which would be problematic. To promote quick recovery from a fracture, it is essential to rigorously use supports, plaster casts, or splints for external fixation. Only after callus formation can the external fixation be removed. Then, heat washing can be used to strengthen joint flexion and extension movements to restore normal joint mobility and, thereby, normal function in the patient.

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Written by Lv Yao
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Is soaking feet good for bone fractures?

Bone fissures are actually a type of fracture, characterized by cracks in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. In the early stages of a bone fissure, immobilization is necessary, along with appropriate cold compresses and rest. After the acute phase, warm compresses can be applied, symptomatic treatment is given, and soaking the feet may be helpful to improve peripheral circulation, aiding in the healing of the fracture. However, immobilization should still be maintained, avoiding excessive walking and activities that might worsen the severity of the fissure.

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Can you drink alcohol with a bone fracture?

A bone fissure is a type of fracture, clinically known as a hairline fracture. It refers to a situation where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone is maintained. In cases of bone fissures, besides immobilizing and resting to reduce activity and prevent the worsening of fracture displacement, one should choose a diet rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other trace elements. It is advised not to consume alcohol after a bone fissure, as alcohol needs to be metabolized by the liver, and the absorption and synthesis of trace elements like calcium and phosphorus also occur in the liver. Consuming alcohol can increase the burden on the liver and significantly impact the absorption of these inorganic ions, which is detrimental to the healing of the fracture, hence it is recommended not to drink alcohol after a bone fissure.

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Will a bone fracture be painful?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture, which refers to a fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. Symptoms of a bone fissure include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment for a bone fissure should follow the same protocols as for fractures, such as appropriate immobilization, early local cold compresses to reduce swelling, and alleviating the severity of pain and swelling. Therefore, pain is present when a bone fissure occurs, as it is a type of fracture. During treatment, it is important to monitor for disturbances in sensory and blood circulation in the limbs, particularly the extremities. Sometimes, a bone fissure can cause increased local swelling, leading to sensory and circulation disturbances in the extremities. In such cases, observation is crucial, and it is advisable to seek treatment at an orthopedic department in a reputable hospital if a bone fissure occurs.