Understanding Fractures

There are typically only a few symptoms related to a fracture. If you or your athlete have suffered a fracture, the pain levels will vary depending on the location and type of fracture. Other common symptoms are swelling and/or bruising and an inability to bear weight or move the affected body part at all.

The most obvious type of fracture is an open fracture, where a bone has been broken due to a severe trauma and the skin is pierced by the bone. There are also various types of closed fractures, where a bone break does not break the skin.

Common types of fractures include:

• Stable: The broken bone is mostly in line and in place.
• Transverse: There is a horizontal line in the break.
• Oblique: There is an angled line or pattern in the break.
• Comminuted: The bone is shattered into three pieces or more.
• Stress: This is typically an overuse injury that results in a tiny crack in the bone, and while it may be slight, leaving it untreated can delay healing and worsen the fracture.

Proper diet and exercise may help in preventing some fractures. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D will promote bone strength. Weight-bearing exercise also helps keep bones strong.

Treatment and recovery time vary based on the severity and location of a fracture, but a period of immobilization and rest is almost always required for complete healing.

If you or your athlete suspect a stress fracture or have a recently sustained fracture that requires follow-up care, request an appointment online with one of our sports medicine specialists at Appalachian Orthopedics or call (423) 434-6300.