Getting the Right Type of Care for Different Types of Fractures
Although fractures are common, they can be extremely painful and often require immediate medical attention. Depending on the type of break, it can be difficult to determine what type of help you need. The dedicated team at TexomaCare Urgent Care can quickly assess the severity of your fracture and create an action plan for treatment.
We also answer some of your most frequently asked questions so you can get the most out of your care.
Q: What is a fracture? Are there different types?
A: Fractures refer to a complete or partial break in the bone. There are many varieties of fractures, ranging in severity and type of break.
One of the biggest distinctions is compound versus simple fractures. Compound fractures include a break in the skin or tissue around the bone or injury. Simple fractures occur when the bone breaks without any damage to the surrounding area.
Common breaks include (but are not limited to):
- Transverse fractures when the bone breaks in a straight line. They typically result from a direct accident or fall.
- Hairline fractures look like a small crack in the bone and are often caused by repetitive, high impact sports like running. These types of fractures are often referred to as stress fractures and are particularly common among athletes.
- Greenstick fractures where the bone bends instead of cracks. These types of fractures are most common in children because their bones are more flexible than adult bones.
Q: Will I know if I broke my bone?
A: For common breaks it is impossible to know whether or not you’ve broken a bone without a medical diagnosis. However, patients with broken bones can experience bruising, swelling or tenderness on or near the area of the break.
Diagnosis of certain fractures is easier than others. For example, transverse fractures are easy to detect on an X-Ray, whereas hairline fractures often require a physical examination. Because fractures can range in type and severity, it is important to get a professional opinion to diagnose your break.
Q: How do you treat fractured bones?
A: Treatment for fractures depends on multiple factors such as severity, type and location of the break. Fractures most commonly require a cast or splint to immobilize the bone as it heals.
If you have a severe break, doctors may recommend you consult an orthopedic surgeon. Your surgeon may give you options to surgically reset the bone or insert rods to stabilize it. Your doctor will be able to determine the length of healing time and when you can resume weight bearing activity.
Q: What happens if I don’t treat my fracture?
A: Besides being physically uncomfortable, untreated fractures can lead to long-term complications like deformations and chronic pain. In the best-case scenario, untreated fractures will still take months to heal. Seeking care is the smart course of action if you suspect you have a fracture or injured bone.
Urgent Care for Fractures and Injured Bones
Most urgent care centers, like TexomaCare Urgent Care, are equipped with the same type of radiologic technologies as emergency departments. The physicians at TexomaCare Urgent Care will also perform a physical examination to quickly diagnose and begin treating your injury.
Contact Us Now
TexomaCare Urgent Care, located in Denison, Texas, and Durant, Oklahoma, is open seven days a week. We offer convenient daytime and evening hours for patients seeking urgent care for broken bones. TexomaCare Urgent Care can help determine the severity of bone fractures and suggest fracture treatment as well.
