What causes a bone fracture?
As strong and sturdy as your bones may be — some support your entire body weight, after all — injuries and trauma can cause them to break. You can suffer from a bone fracture because of:
- Weak bones from osteoporosis
- Suddenly increasing your activity level
- Sports injuries
- Tripping and falling
You can even develop stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in your bones. Stress fractures form because of repetitive force or overuse, possibly due to frequent distance running or participating in jumping sports.
How do I know if I have a bone fracture?
Signs and symptoms of a bone fracture aren’t always obvious, plus, they can mimic issues you have with a soft tissue injury, like a sprained ankle. If you have a broken bone, you may experience:
- Physical deformity
- Swelling or tenderness
- Bruising or inflammation
- Difficulty moving the area
- Difficulty bearing weight on the area
If you have an open or compound fracture, which is usually the most serious type of fracture, you might notice that bone fragments are puncturing your skin and causing an open wound. After you get any essential emergency medical care for your fracture, Dr. Rubinshteyn can help treat and manage your injury, so you can start healing properly.
What is fracture management?
Fracture management involves a multifaceted approach to your treatment where Dr. Rubinshteyn treats your current injury, monitors you throughout your recovery period, and ensures you get back to your pre-injury self. Your fracture management plan may include:
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medications
- Immobilization through casting or splinting
- Functional casts or braces
- External fixation with outer metal rods
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Gradual weight-bearing exercises
In severe cases, Dr. Rubinshteyn may need to reposition your bone surgically and implant metal screws, plates, or pins to help hold your bone in place during healing. No matter how minor or how complex your injury may be, rest assured, Dr. Rubinshteyn helps you throughout every step of your fracture management plan. He can even support you while you get back into your sport or exercise regimen.
Book your fracture management at the practice of Igor Rubinshteyn, MD, today. Schedule online or over the phone.
