There are actually many different types of bone fractures. It’s true that some are more serious than others, but no matter the type, fractures are no fun to experience.

More likely than not, they’re caused by acute physical trauma and pain, although they can be caused over time by overuse and too much pressure on a certain limb. Read on to learn more about fractures from our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team!

What Causes a Fracture?

Like we said earlier, fractures are often caused by acute physical trauma or when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can take. They can also be caused when repetitive motions tire out the muscles, which puts more pressure on the bone and causes stress fractures. This is more common in athletes and military recruits.

In rarer cases, fractures can also be caused by diseases that weaken the bone, such as osteoporosis or cancer in the bones. We’ve listed some of the most common types of fractures below.

Types of Fractures

• Closed or open fractures: If the injury doesn’t open the skin, it’s called a closed fracture. If the skin does open, it’s called an open fracture or, perhaps more commonly, a compound fracture.
• Complete fractures: The break goes completely through the bone, separating it in two.
• Partial fractures: The break doesn’t go all the way through the bone.
• Stress (hairline) fractures: The bone gets a crack in it, which is sometimes tough to find with imaging.

What Happens If a Fracture Isn’t Treated Correctly?

Despite the remarkable ability of bones to heal on their own, a fracture will still require medical attention in order to heal completely. Nonunion fractures, which occur when the body is unable to effectively repair the fracture after at least nine months, can occur when the bone isn’t correctly set and allowed to regrow into the position it was in before the break.

Below are some preventive suggestions to keep in mind in order to avoid dealing with fractures and any related repercussions.

Fracture Prevention Tips

• Avoid falling. You can do this by doing simple things like working on your balance and decluttering your home.
• Stay physically active. Aerobic exercise like walking and jogging helps keep bones healthy and strong.
• Eat healthy. Watching your diet is one of the best ways to benefit bone health. Foods rich in calcium, like almonds, eggs and green veggies all promote bone health.

Whether you have questions about things like fractures or allergies, our AFC team is here to help! Visit us today.