Although bones are normally quite strong, they do break. Just about any bone in your body can break, and when it does, it will create a lot of pain. Treatment will be necessary for broken bones (also called a fracture), and this will need to be followed by a lengthy period of healing.

There are many ways that a bone can break. It can break into two pieces or multiple pieces. It may also break and barely move, or it could be twisted and break through the skin, causing possible damage to nearby muscle, ligaments, tendons, and even organs – if it is near them.

Symptoms

A bone that is broken will often appear deformed. There will be a lot of pain and the person will not likely want to move it. The person may be in shock. The area near the break may be swollen, or bluish, and there may be some numbness or tingling.

If there is any bleeding, it should be stopped immediately. The bone should be immobilized, but do not try and realign it. For broken skin, gently clean with water to remove any dirt, and cover with a sterile dressing. If the broken bones are suspected to be in the neck or back, do not move the individual. If possible, apply ice packs to help relieve pressure and pain. Get them to a doctor quickly.

Diagnosis

After arriving at the doctor’s office, the doctor will quickly look over the situation, and then an x-ray will be taken. This will reveal the exact nature of the problem and will help to ensure that there is not more damage than can be seen. In some cases, if soft tissue damage may have occurred, other tests such as CT scans, ultrasound, and an MRI may be needed.

Treatment

After the x-ray, if necessary, the doctor will try and realign the bones. Once aligned, the doctor will put a cast, splint, or brace on it. This will need to stay on for a designated time, and more doctors’ appointments will be necessary. X-rays will need to be taken later to ensure that the bones are still in their proper position and are healing correctly.

In some more severe cases, bones that are broken may need more support. Doctors will need to perform surgery for this step, and it may involve placing screws, braces, or rods into the bones to stabilize them.

The Silver Star Urgent Care Clinic

Going to a hospital’s emergency room usually means that you will wait for hours to be seen. You can avoid this by going to the Silver Star Urgent Care center, where you will be seen by medical professionals quickly. All of the doctors there are Board-certified, and some of them have worked in hospital emergency rooms. This means you get the exact same care – and it will not cost you nearly as much.

The Silver Star Urgent Care clinic has an x-ray machine on-site to provide diagnostic tests on broken bones, as well as other diagnostic equipment. We stay open later than most doctors’ offices to help you. Our hours are from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm seven days a week.