Many people suffer from broken bones each year. Although this is a rather common injury, that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. In fact, broken bones can cause tremendous pain and limit your mobility. You might be unable to work for a while after the injury.
There are several points you should know about broken bones. This information could help if you are ever in a situation where you have to deal with this type of serious fracture.
Fractures can occur in a variety of situations
There are many different things that can lead to a fracture. An accident at work, a car crash, a fall or being hit with a direct blow are some examples. In all of these cases, the pressure put on the bone is more than what it can handle, so it gives way. In some cases, the fracture can come from repeated pressure on the bone, such as from running. These are called stress fractures.
The appearance of a fracture varies
There are many different things that might alert you to a fracture. First, you are likely going to be in extreme pain. The area is probably going to be red and swollen. It might look bruised. Some fractures will go through the skin. In this case, you will be able to see the bone through the break in the skin.
Medical care is necessary
A broken bone will likely need to be set. You may have to wear a cast or a brace while the area heals. The surgeon may put a metal plate and screws into the bone to stabilize it. Often, you will need X-rays and other imaging tests to determine how the bone will be fixed. You may be provided with pain medications that make it unsafe for you to drive.
Life after a broken bone
Once the bone is fully healed, you will likely be able to return to your normal activities. The healing process can take a while, which means that you might be out of commission during that period. If you have a physically demanding job, you might find that you are unable to work. This could harm your finances. Ultimately, you might decide to seek compensation for the injury. This could mean a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim, depending on how, where and when the accident that caused your broken bone occurred.