When to Seek Urgent Care for Broken Bones: A Comprehensive Guide

Symptoms of a Broken Bone

Some broken bones are obvious, but many of them (like simple, closed fractures) are not obvious. In either case, it's important to get medical attention quickly to avoid having a bone that healed improperly. To help you decide if you or someone you know may have a broken bone, consider these common symptoms outlined by the Mayo Clinic:

Pain

Broken bones can be extremely painful, but the level of pain can vary depending on the location and severity of the break. If you experience sudden pain in a specific area, especially after a fall or other traumatic injury, it's important to seek medical attention right away according to the Mayo Clinic.

• Swelling - Swelling is a common symptom of a broken bone, and it can occur immediately or within a few hours of the injury according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Bruising - Bruising is another common symptom of a broken bone. It can also occur immediately or within a few hours of the injury, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Deformity - Sometimes a broken bone can cause a visible deformity in the affected area. This can include either a visibly misshapen limb or joint or a limb that appears to be at an unusual angle.
• Unable to bear weight or use the affected limb

Remember, if you suspect that you or someone else has a broken bone, it's important to seek medical attention immediately—even if the injury doesn't seem severe.

Different Types of Bone Injuries

Understanding the different types of musculoskeletal injuries can help you identify the severity of your injury and determine whether urgent care is necessary. Here are three common types of bone injuries:

Fractures

Fractures are also known as “broken bones”. There are three major types of fractures, according to the Cleveland Clinic—open fractures, closed fractures, and hairline fractures.

• Open fractures - An open fracture occurs when the broken bone breaks through the skin.
• Closed fractures - This type of fracture occurs when the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin
• Hairline fractures - These fractures consist of small cracks in the bone.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position. This can happen most commonly at the shoulder joint, hip joints, or knee joints according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, a dislocated joint will “pop back into place”, however, many cases need medical assistance to be fixed.

Sprains

Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn. This happens often at the ankle, wrist, or knee according to the Mayo Clinic.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Broken Bones

Delaying treatment of a broken bone can lead to complications and a prolonged healing process according to the Mayo Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic outlines the symptoms you should watch out for if you believe you may have a broken bone:

• Pain—including constant or intermittent pain
• Deformity
• Inability to move the affected limb
• Numbness or tingling

Care Options for Broken Bones

Since a broken bone requires an X-ray to diagnose, as well as specialized equipment to stabilize and splint the injured area, urgent care or the emergency room are the best places to seek care, according to UC Health. This is because many primary care clinics do not have in-house X-ray capabilities, and it may take several days to get an appointment.

Getting Treatment at Urgent Care for a Broken Bone

If you suspect that you have a broken bone, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle most bone fractures and can provide the necessary treatment to help you get pain relief and heal properly. When you go to urgent care for treatment for broken bones, you can expect the following care, as outlined by UC Health:

• X-rays - X-rays are used to both diagnose and assess the severity of a broken bone.
• Stabilization - To prevent further damage to the affected area, your healthcare provider will stabilize the broken bone in the proper place for optimal healing.
• Pain management - Broken bones can be very painful, and your healthcare provider will work to manage your pain during the healing process.
• Realignment - If the broken bone is displaced or misaligned, a realignment may be necessary. This involves manipulating the bone back into its proper position, which can be done under local anesthesia or surgically if necessary. Minor cases of malalignment can be dealt with in an urgent care center whereas more severe cases may require referral for surgery and/or anesthesia
• Casting or splinting - After the bone is realigned and stabilized, a cast or splint will be applied to keep the bone in place while it heals.

Surgical Options for Severe or Complicated Fractures

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a severe or complicated fracture. This may involve the use of pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone in place while it heals and give the healed bone more stability, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Follow-up Care for Broken Bones

Follow-up care is important for broken bones, to ensure proper healing and recovery. Here are some aspects of follow-up care you may encounter, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

Physical Therapy

Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in the affected area. Physical therapy can also help prevent stiffness and reduce pain.

Follow-up appointments

It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms and aid in the healing process. Some possible medications you may get are pain medication, medications to reduce swelling, or antibiotics to prevent infection.

Rehabilitation After a Broken Bone

Your healthcare provider may recommend exercises, stretches, and mobility aids to help you as you recover from your injury. These may include crutches, a wheelchair, walking boots, specialized writing tools, specialized utensils, or other assistive devices to help support and protect the affected area.

How to Properly Care for a Cast or Splint

If you have a cast or splint, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for proper care and maintenance. This may include keeping the cast or splint dry, avoiding certain activities, and regularly checking for signs of complications according to the Mayo Clinic.

Possible Complications of a Cast or Splint

There are a few complications of casts and splints that you should be aware of, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Some complications to look out for include:

• Severe itching
• Swelling
• Pressure sores
• Skin infection
• Joint stiffness

It is important to tell your doctor if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms.

How to Prevent a Broken Bone

Some accidents are unavoidable, but there are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk of breaking a bone, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Get regular exercise to help strengthen your bones and improve bone density.
• Eat a well-balanced diet rich to ensure you’re getting adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your bones strong.
• Take safety precautions to help prevent accidents that can lead to broken bones—such as wearing a seat belt, wearing padding or guards over vulnerable areas during sports activities, using handrails on stairs, and keeping walkways clear of debris.

How to Prevent Falls and Other Accidents That Can Lead to Broken Bones

Falls are a common cause of broken bones, according to the CDC. This is especially true for older adults. To help prevent falls, you can:

• Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter
• Install grab bars in the bathroom
• Use non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub
• Wear shoes with non-slip soles

Use Safety Equipment (e.g. Helmets, Seat Belts, Protective Gear) to Prevent Broken Bones

Wearing safety equipment like helmets, seat belts, and protective gear can help prevent broken bones in the event of an accident. Make sure to use the appropriate safety equipment for the activity you are participating in, and make sure it fits properly to provide maximum protection.

Complications of a Broken Bone

Broken bones can lead to a variety of complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some possible complications include:

• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Improper healing

If you suspect you have a broken bone, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as nerve damage, infection, and improper healing according to the Cleveland Clinic. Urgent care is a great choice for getting prompt medical attention for broken bones.