Call NowSigns of a Skeletal Injury
Left untreated, broken bones or fractures can lead to several problems that can impact your everyday life. When broken bones are left to heal on their own, it can lead to infections, lingering joint pain, and even permanent deformity. From car accidents to falls, direct hits to repetitive motions like running, there are many common causes of broken bones. How do you know if you have one? Read on to discover some of the common signs of a skeletal injury like a broken bone or fracture.
Deformity
The most obvious sign of a broken bone or fracture is when a body part bends in a way that isn’t normal. In some cases, deformities are caused by dislocation. Surprisingly, these situations have the potential to be even worse than a broken bone since they involve the stretching and tearing of ligaments and tendons. If you notice deformities and irregularities in body parts, seek medical attention immediately.
Bruising
Discoloration at the site of an injury often indicates damage to the area underneath the skin. After an injury, bruising can be caused by several issues, but one of the most common is blood leaking from a broken bone. A large bruise can indicate more severe damage—an injury to the bone—so don’t wait to seek medical attention.
Swelling
Swelling often accompanies broken bones or fractures as the fluids–including blood–leak into the body’s soft tissues from the injury site. Swelling often makes tissue feel tight and hard. While swelling can occur because of other medical conditions, if you’ve had an impact injury and are experiencing swelling, it’s a good indicator that you have a broken bone and should seek medical attention.
Unusual Movement, Noises, or Pressure
Feeling strange pressure or movement from a bone? Hearing a strange sound as you move? These irregularities can be a sign of a broken bone or fracture. For example, if you notice a crunching sound below your skin near the site of a recent injury, it could be caused by broken parts of bone rubbing together beneath the skin.
Other noises you may hear include a grinding or snapping noise. These noises can occur both at the time of injury or as you use the injured area, and they shouldn’t be ignored.
Sudden Pain
Pain after an injury could indicate many things, including a sprain or a break. Sometimes, when a break or fracture is small enough, you won’t feel pain at all after an injury. Be conscious of your symptoms and seek medical attention following an impact injury.
Loss of Function
Depending on the severity of the break or fracture, you may experience loss of function in the affected area. This is a medical emergency, and it’s critical to seek prompt medical attention to avoid permanent complications.
Seek Treatment for Skeletal Injuries
Sometimes, the signs of a broken bone or fracture are subtle. If you suspect you have a skeletal injury, the sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome. The caring team at Impact Medical Group of Tampa is standing by to help. Call us today at (813) 283-1910 to schedule your free evaluation.