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5 common misconceptions about bone fractures

Written By: John McLeish
There are many circumstances in which a broken bone can occur. It may be a result of a car or bicycle accident, or even a slip and fall on the sidewalk. Although they may heal with medical treatment, it is important to note that a broken bone is a serious injury. There are various misconceptions associated with bone fracture and injuries that you should be aware of.

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1. A fracture is not as serious as a broken bone

Many people believe that a bone fracture is different from a broken bone. However, they are actually the same thing. While there are several different kinds of fractures, all bone fractures are a break. Whether it is called a bone fracture or a broken bone, you need to seek medical attention.

2. You know when you’ve broken a bone because of the pain/bruising

There’s no denying that a broken bone can be an incredibly painful experience. It is commonly believed that if you break a bone, you know simply due to the excruciating pain and substantial bruising. However, pain tolerance and bruising varies from person to person, so it is impossible to say with certainty what a broken bone feels like. If you think you may have a break, you should get checked by a medical professional right away.

3. All bone fractures result in immediate bruising

As mentioned previously, each person experiences pain and bruising differently. In addition, not all bone fractures will result in immediate bruising. It is common to bruise fairly quickly after a bone injury, but it can sometimes take up to 48 hours before bruising becomes noticeable. Bruising is also not a guaranteed sign that the bone is broken.

4. Pain only occurs where the fracture happened

People often think that after sustaining a fracture, pain is localized to the specific region around the break. However, many bone injuries cause damage to the surrounding ligaments and muscles, which can cause pain to extend far beyond the area of the fracture.

5. You lose full range of motion with a broken bone

It’s a common misconception that when you break a bone, you lose range of motion in that particular area of your body. However, just because you have fractured a bone in your leg, for example, it does not mean that the entire limb will be unable to move normally. It all depends on the type of bone injury, as well as the location, severity and number of fractures.

Each person experiences pain differently, and bone injuries vary in severity. These common misconceptions about fractures demonstrate that it is difficult to determine the extent of your injury, without seeking professional medical assistance. If your injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In this case, speaking to a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

 

 

John McLeish

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