A fracture is when a patient presents with a broken or cracked bone. The main causes of fractures include violent trauma from sports injuries or accidents. Although broken bones cannot cause death, emergency care is critical in preserving your bone. Should you suffer fractures in East Brunswick, it is vital that you receive the necessary first aid before you get professional help.
What are the symptoms of fractures?
The symptoms of fractures depend on severity and type. Some of the most common symptoms of fractured bones that patients present with are:
- Excruciating pain: If you feel pain in the bone where the mechanical trauma occurred, and the pain gets worse when you move that specific bone, you might have broken it.
- Bone protruding through the skin
- Numbness, swelling, and visible deformity.
- Bleeding
First-aid guidelines for a broken bone
Patients with broken bones should revive immediate care, and first-aid before receiving professional help. Some first-aid treatments to provide when you come across symptoms of fractures include:
Stopping bleeding
It is vital to control the amount of blood a patient loses to avoid excessive blood loss, leading to anemic symptoms. Try applying pressure on the wound using a clean cloth. You can press on with your hands or tie the fabric around the wound.
Immobilize the injury
It is important to avoid any movements that may lead to pain or worsen the fracture. Immobility is the best strategy to manage neck and back pain. Using a spiny or sling can help immobilize the area for peripheral bones.
Cold therapy
Whenever a bone fracture occurs, the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the injured area become stressed. The best way to offer relief to your tissues is to apply cold to the site by wrapping ice cubes in a cloth and placing it on the injured area for at least fifteen minutes.
Call for emergency care.
Depending on where you are, dial a number that connects you to a health care provider. Professional help can repair broken bones and restore structure and function. Some of the symptoms that necessitate medical intervention include unconsciousness, heavy bleeding, and bone protrusion through the skin.
Effective bone fracture repair treatments
The right treatment for your fracture will depend on the location of the injury and the severity of symptoms. An example of a non-invasive treatment for bone fractures is wearing a cast. In specific cases, a doctor may recommend an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery to hold the bone in place to ensure that it heals properly in its original position.
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will conduct imaging tests to view the locations and status of your bone before developing an ideal treatment approach for your fracture. It is best to seek medical care from board-certified physicians to guarantee quality care, faster recovery, and optimal results. Call Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP to register the institution as your primary care provider to receive emergency care whenever you get broken bones.
