Find care near me Key Points
- The leg is made up of four strong bones: the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, which can break due to trauma or overuse.
- Symptoms of a broken leg include swelling, bruising, deformity, and pain, although a broken fibula might not be as noticeable.
- Immediate medical attention is needed for a suspected broken leg, where physicians may set the bones back into place, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Post-break care often includes a splint or cast, pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation of the leg.
- The article suggests using Solv to book a same-day appointment at an urgent care clinic, which are ideal for broken bones due to their extended hours and insurance acceptance.
Are you ready for a basic anatomy lesson? The leg is made up of four bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), the fibula (the smaller bone next to the shin), and the patella (kneecap). These bones are extremely strong since they must support all of your body weight when you stand or walk. In fact, the thigh bone is the longest and strongest bone in the body. Unfortunately, the bones in the leg aren’t indestructible, and can break due to trauma or overuse.
Often times, it can be easy to tell if you or a loved one has a broken leg. The major signs that there is a broken bone in the leg are swelling and bruising near the area of the break, deformity, and pain that increases when the leg is moved and decreases when the bone is held in place. Still, other times, a broken leg may not feel severe. This is especially true when the break happens in the fibula. If you aren’t sure if you have a broken leg, it is best to play it safe and seek medical attention. Your physician will likely order an X-ray to determine whether the bone is broken.
When a physician treats a broken bone, he or she will begin by setting the bones back into place to allow them to heal properly. For certain types of breaks, surgery may be necessary and the surgeon will use metal screws and pins to keep the broken ends of the bone together. Once set, the leg will likely be put in a splint or a cast to keep the bones from moving out of place. Additional treatments for a broken leg may include:
- Medication to help with the pain
- Rest
- Ice
- Elevation of the leg
If you suspect you have a broken leg, you can use Solv to make a same-day appointment at an urgent care clinic so you can be evaluated. Urgent cares are a great place to go when you have a broken bone because they have extended night and weekend hours, making it easy to get the care you need right when you need it. And, when you use Solv to make your appointment, you can be sure that you have chosen a reputable urgent care center that accepts your insurance. Start feeling better fast and use Solv to book your urgent care appointment today.
Frequently asked questions
What bones make up the leg?
The leg is composed of four bones: the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella.What are the symptoms of a broken leg?
Symptoms can include swelling, bruising, deformity, and pain, especially when the leg is moved. However, a broken fibula might not feel as severe.What should I do if I suspect a broken leg?
It's important to seek immediate medical attention. Physicians can set the bones back into place, and in some cases, surgery might be necessary.What does post-break treatment involve?
Treatment usually includes a splint or a cast, pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation of the leg.What is Solv and why is it recommended for booking appointments?
Solv is a service that helps you make same-day appointments at urgent care clinics. It's recommended because urgent care clinics often have extended hours and accept insurance, making them ideal for treating broken bones.Can a broken fibula be less noticeable than other leg fractures?
Yes, a broken fibula might not feel as severe as breaks in other leg bones.Is surgery always necessary for a broken leg?
No, surgery isn't always necessary. It depends on the severity and location of the break.Why are urgent care clinics recommended for broken bones?
Urgent care clinics are recommended because they typically have extended night and weekend hours, making them more accessible for immediate care. They also usually accept insurance, which can help with costs.
