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Do I Have a Fracture? Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone

Whether you have experienced a car accident, a serious fall, or other type of traumatic injury in DC, there are few comforts when dealing with a broken bone.

A bone fracture will occur if too much pressure is exerted on the bone-whether from an outside force (such as a vehicle), a violent blow, or even the act of hitting the ground. In some cases, the blow may be enough to send the shattered bone through the surface of the skin, called a compound or open fracture. But even if the skin remains closed, the fracture can be extremely painful and be difficult to repair.

Doctors often classify bone fractures based on the appearance of the break. For instance:

Simple fracture: a fracture that does not break the skin
Transverse fracture: the bone is broken across the grain, sometimes across the entire width of the bone
Spiral fracture: the line of the break "spirals" down the length of the bone
Greenstick fracture: the bone breaks as a result of bending (common in children).
Stress fracture: caused by undue pressure on the site of the break
Hairline fracture: a thin break in the bone that may be hard to see on an x-ray
Comminuted fracture: the bone is broken into multiple pieces

Fractures can be difficult to diagnose. Victims are often in pain after an accident, which a doctor may assume is merely "bumps and bruises," and prescribe simple pain medications or muscle relaxers. An untreated fracture, however, is unlikely to heal properly-and can cause the patient much unnecessary pain.

If you believe you have suffered a fracture, follow these steps for the best way to heal:

Get an x-ray. The easiest way to confirm a break in a bone is with an x-ray. Once confirmed, you will have a good idea of the kind of treatment you will require.
Ask about a cast or splint. With most fractures, immobility is key to proper healing. Broken limbs, hands, toes or feet should be secured in a cast or splint, with a sling or crutches to ensure weight is kept off the bone as it heals.
Get help for your medical costs. If someone else was to blame for your injury, don't take the burden on yourself. An experienced Fairfax personal injury attorney can get you the help you need to recover.

Contact Shevlin Smith at (703) 591-0067 for more information and a free consultation.