Symptoms of bone fracture

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Bone fracture, as the name suggests, is a type of fracture characterized by a crack in the bone. Since it is a fracture, it shares all the common characteristics of fractures. Firstly, there is pain. The pain at the site of the bone fracture is very evident. Secondly, there is swelling. Local swelling should also be very apparent. Although it might be less severe than general displaced fractures, it is more pronounced than the swelling from soft tissue contusions. Thirdly, there is limited functionality. After a bone fracture, due to severe pain, sometimes, as the continuity of the bone is interrupted, the lever action of the bone may be reduced or lost, hence, the patient's limb movement will be restricted. Additionally, fractures have two characteristic complications: abnormal movement, and bone crepitus or bone friction sensation. Another possible sign is deformity. However, because patients with bone cracks often do not have noticeable displacement, deformity is not significant. However, during a physical examination of the patient, bone crepitus or bone friction sensation might be detectable. Yet, due to the lack of significant displacement, it is not necessary to forcefully elicit these signs. In cases where there is evident pain, swelling, and restricted activity, bone fracture should be suspected and it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital for radiographic confirmation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Does a bone fracture hurt?

The answer is definitely yes. After a bone fracture, apart from local pain, there can also be soft tissue damage, inflammation, and local swelling, and even functional limitations may occur. That is to say, if the fracture occurs in the limbs, it will affect movement and cause swelling. At this point, it is necessary to take an X-ray. If diagnosed with a fracture, it is necessary to apply a plaster cast for external fixation, in order to avoid aggravating the fracture or causing displacement due to movement or accidents, and even the potential of having to undergo surgery again. Therefore, after a fracture, it is necessary to use a plaster cast and have regular check-ups to monitor the healing of the fracture.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Does a bone fracture hurt?

Patients with bone fractures will experience pain. This is because local bleeding occurs after the fracture, along with congestion and edema of the soft tissues, which stimulates the surrounding nerves, causing pain. Therefore, it is accurate to say fractures can cause pain. Common pain relief methods require strict rest and protection of the affected area to prevent micro-movements of the fracture ends. If the fracture ends do move, they can stimulate the surrounding nerves, making the pain difficult to alleviate. Additionally, the use of pain relief drugs can help ease the patient's pain. Furthermore, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of the fracture.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Will a bone fracture be painful?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture, which refers to a fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. Symptoms of a bone fissure include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment for a bone fissure should follow the same protocols as for fractures, such as appropriate immobilization, early local cold compresses to reduce swelling, and alleviating the severity of pain and swelling. Therefore, pain is present when a bone fissure occurs, as it is a type of fracture. During treatment, it is important to monitor for disturbances in sensory and blood circulation in the limbs, particularly the extremities. Sometimes, a bone fissure can cause increased local swelling, leading to sensory and circulation disturbances in the extremities. In such cases, observation is crucial, and it is advisable to seek treatment at an orthopedic department in a reputable hospital if a bone fissure occurs.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How long does a bone fracture hurt?

Usually, for patients with bone fractures, it takes about one to two weeks of pain. This is because as time goes on, the local area enters the fibrous connection phase, which offers better stability, so the pain gradually subsides. For early-stage pain symptoms, if they are unbearable, one can still choose to treat them with medication. For instance, applying topical ointments that invigorate blood circulation and dissipate stasis, taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, and administering pain relief injections can all alleviate the pain symptoms of patients with bone fractures. Additionally, for patients with fractures, promoting rapid recovery of the fracture is very crucial, and strict rest and protection are key. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can a fracture be moved?

Bone fractures, as the name suggests, refers to a crack-like fracture in a bone. Although it is a simple fracture and the bones are not obviously displaced, maintaining proper alignment is still important. However, a fracture does represent a change in the continuity of the bone. If effective repositioning and fixation are not carried out, displacement of the fracture can occur. Therefore, it is generally advised for patients to use a cast or a brace for external fixation. If the patient moves frequently without effective fixation, the crack fracture may develop into a displaced fracture. Once a displacement occurs, it can become complicated, potentially requiring surgical treatment. Therefore, patients with bone fractures are advised to rest and avoid vigorous activities, and to ensure effective repositioning and fixation.