How do I know if I've broken a bone?

Broken bones can occur after an accident, such as a fall, or being hit by an object. The three most common signs of a fracture are:

• pain,
• swelling, and
• deformity.

However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a bone is broken, if it is not displaced.

If you have broken a bone, you may experience the following:

• you may hear a snap, or a grinding noise, during the injury,
• there may be swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injured area,
• you may feel pain when you put weight on the injury, touch it, press it, or move it, or
• the injured part may look deformed. In severe breaks, the broken bone may be poking through the skin.

In addition, due to the shock of breaking a bone, you may feel faint, dizzy, or sick.

If the break is small, or it is just a crack (fracture), you may not feel much pain, or realize that you have broken a bone. However, if you suspect that you have broken, or fractured, a bone, you should seek medical help immediately.

The broken bone must be properly aligned and held in place (often with a bandaid cast), so that it heals in the correct position. If you do not receive the correct treatment, you could develop a serious infection, or a permanent deformity. You may also develop long-term problems with your joints.

Older people, and those who have osteoporosis, should be particularly careful, because their bones are weaker and may break more easily.

If you have broken, or fractured a bone, you can visit your doctor. However, if the break is serious, you should go to your nearest emergency room.