A Fracture vs a Break: Identifying the Differences

When you take a fall or suffer an accident, it can change your life and your body forever. That’s why it’s important to learn the signs of fractures and breaks as soon as you can.

Both types of injuries can hinder your everyday life, although a fracture is typically less severe than a break.

Yet, how do you know whether it’s severe or not? Learn all about the difference between a fracture vs break in this article and keep on reading to see how we can help you move safely and confidently through your day-to-day life.

Fractures vs Break: The Difference

There are a few key differences between fractures and breaks. First, a fracture is a crack or chip in the bone, while a break is a complete break in the bone. Second, fractures can be classified as either open or closed, while breaks are always closed. 

A break is a clean break through the bone, while a fracture is a crack or break in the bone.

Symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising. The bone may appear deformed. A break may also cause numbness, tingling, or paralysis if it damages the nerves or blood vessels around the bone.

The Difference in Treatment Between a Fracture and a Break

Both the bone fracture and bone break can be extremely painful, but the difference in treatment is significant.

A break is when the bone is completely shattered, while a stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone. The treatment for a break is typically a surgery to insert a metal rod or plate to hold the bone in place while it heals.

The treatment for a bone fracture is typically just rest and ice. If the fracture is in a weight-bearing bone, you may need to use crutches to keep weight off the bone while it heals.

When to Seek Medical Attention For a Fracture or Break

If you have a fracture or break, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the bone fracture is protruding through the skin, or if the bone is grinding against another bone, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you have a fracture or break and there is no bone protruding through the skin, you should still seek medical attention from orthopedics within 24 hours.

If you think you may have a fracture or break, it is important to seek medical attention right away. A doctor will be able to properly diagnose and treat the injury.

Learn the Difference Between Fracture vs Break So You Can Avoid Both

If you have a bone injury, it’s important to learn the difference between fracture vs break. A fracture is a crack or chip in the bone, while a break is a complete break through the bone. Both require medical attention, but the treatment is different. If you think you have a fracture or break, see a doctor immediately.

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