Bone Fractures

Overview

A bone fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It can happen in any bone in your body. It is also called a broken bone. The break can be small and hairline, or the bone might shatter or pierce through the skin.

Yes, bone fractures are very common. Most people will have at least one broken bone in their lifetime.

Fractures can happen to anyone at any age. They are more common in children and teenagers, in older adults with weaker bones, and in people who play sports or have physically active jobs.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or tenderness at the site of the injury
• Swelling and bruising
• Trouble moving or bearing weight on the affected area
• A visible deformity or unusual angle in the limb
• Numbness or tingling below the injury

Symptoms in children

• Complaining of pain that gets worse when the area is moved or touched
• Swelling or bruising that appears quickly
• Refusing to use the arm or leg (e.g., not walking or reaching)
• Tenderness over one bone when gently pressed

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain after a fall that may not be severe at first
• Swelling and bruising around the hip, wrist, or back
• Difficulty standing, walking, or putting weight on a leg
• New or increased back pain that is worse with standing or walking

Causes

Main causes

• A sudden injury, such as a fall, a blow, a car crash, or a sports injury
• Repeated strain over time, which can cause small cracks called stress fractures
• Weakening of the bone from conditions like osteoporosis, making it break more easily

Risk factors

• Older age, especially over 65
• Thin or fragile bones (low bone density)
• Certain medical conditions that affect bone strength, like osteoporosis
• Contact sports or high-impact activities
• Poor nutrition, especially low calcium or Vitamin D
• History of previous fractures

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you suspect a fracture and the pain is severe, the area looks deformed, or you cannot use the limb – see a doctor or go to an urgent care center the same day
• If the skin is broken near the injury, get urgent medical care to prevent infection

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent pain that does not improve after a few days
• If you have repeated pain in the same spot, especially during exercise
• If you are an older adult and have pain after a fall, even if it feels mild

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask how the injury happened, examine the area, and check for tenderness, swelling, and how well you can move it. To be sure, they will usually order an imaging test like an X-ray.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray (the most common test to see a fracture)
• CT scan (a more detailed scan that shows bones and surrounding tissue clearly)
• MRI (used for stress fractures that do not show up on X-ray, or to look for damage to ligaments and cartilage)

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to remove clothing over the injured area. The doctor may gently press around the bone. If a fracture is found, you may receive a splint or cast. You will likely be given advice on pain management and when to follow up. If the break is serious, you may be referred to a bone specialist or an orthopedic surgeon.

Treatment

Treatment for a fracture depends on which bone is broken, how bad the break is, and your overall health. The main goal is to keep the bone pieces aligned while the body builds new bone to heal them. Most fractures require some kind of support – like a cast or splint – to keep the bone still.

Self-care at home

• Follow your doctor's advice on how long to wear a cast or splint – do not remove it early
• Keep the cast dry and clean – ask your pharmacist about the best way to protect it in the shower
• Rest and elevate the injured area (if safe) to reduce swelling
• Do gentle movements as advised to avoid stiffness in nearby joints
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your doctor or pharmacist (never exceed recommended doses)

Medical treatments

Your doctor may give you a splint, brace, or cast to hold the bone in place. Sometimes two pieces of metal are put on outside the skin (an external fixation) to hold the bone. For pain, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a painkiller – always follow their advice and dose instructions. You may need to take extra care to prevent blood clots if your leg is in a cast and you cannot move it. Never use any medication without talking to a healthcare professional first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is needed when the bone is broken in multiple pieces, when the ends do not line up, when the bone pushes through the skin, or when the fracture is in a joint that must heal perfectly for movement. A surgeon may use metal pins, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place. This is called internal fixation.

Living with this condition

Healing takes time – usually from a few weeks to several months. While you heal, you will need to adjust your daily activities. You may need help with dressing, cooking, or getting around. Use assistive devices like crutches or a walking frame if your doctor recommends them. Keep your appointments so your doctor can check that the bone is healing properly.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking – smoking slows bone healing and increases the risk of complications
• Avoid alcohol – alcohol can interfere with bone healing and increase the risk of falls
• Ask your doctor when it is safe to return to work, school, or sport
• Do the recommended exercises – this helps keep muscles active and improves bone repair

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone healing. Good sources include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and oily fish. Vitamin D is made in the body with sunlight, but you can also get it from foods and supplements – talk to your doctor before starting any supplement. While resting a fracture, you can safely exercise other parts of the body as permitted, like doing upper-body exercises with a leg fracture. Once the doctor agrees, start a gentle rehabilitation programme to regain strength and movement.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Coping with a fracture can be frustrating and can affect your mood. You may feel anxious about the injury, upset about lost independence, or worried about pain. These feelings are normal. It is important to talk to someone you trust and to ask for help with tasks. If low mood lasts for more than two weeks or affects your daily life, tell your doctor – they can offer support.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of fractures by taking care of your bones and preventing falls. This includes eating a healthy diet, doing regular weight-bearing exercise (like walking or stair climbing, when safe), keeping a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. If you have osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones, your doctor may recommend medications – but you should always ask them for advice.

Screening programmes

Your doctor may suggest a bone density test if you are at higher risk for osteoporosis, such as women over 65 or men over 70, or if you have had a previous fracture. This test measures how strong your bones are and can help guide prevention.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bone may heal in a wrong position, causing a permanent deformity
• A fracture that does not heal properly may lead to long-term pain and stiffness
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels can cause numbness, weakness, or poor blood flow
• Infection can develop if the skin is broken and not treated quickly
• A blood clot can form in a leg that is immobilised, which can be serious

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most fractures is very good. With the right treatment and time, most people heal fully and regain normal function. How fast you heal depends on your age, the type of fracture, and your overall health. Following your doctor's advice and staying positive go a long way. Even if you need surgery, many people return to their usual activities within months. If you are worried, talk to your doctor – they will support you at every step.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.