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Fracture
Urgent
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures may occur after a fall, accident, sports injury, or other significant force, but weakened bones can fracture with relatively minor trauma. Symptoms commonly include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty moving the affected area. Some fractures may also cause visible deformity or loss of normal function.
Body System
Bones & Joints
When to Seek Medical Attention
A suspected fracture requires prompt medical assessment and appropriate immobilization. Seek urgent care for significant pain, swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, or loss of normal function after an injury. Emergency medical attention is needed for an open fracture, severe bleeding, pale or blue skin beyond the injury, loss of circulation, severe neurological symptoms, or other signs of a serious injury.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures may occur after a fall, accident, sports injury, or other significant force, but weakened bones can fracture with relatively minor trauma. Symptoms commonly include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty moving the affected area. Some fractures may also cause visible deformity or loss of normal function.
Symptoms 3
Frequent Hunger
Increased Thirst
Muscle Pain
Causes 1
Fractures usually result from forces that exceed the strength of a bone, such as falls, collisions, twisting injuries, or direct blows. Repetitive stress can produce small cracks known as stress fractures. Bones weakened by osteoporosis, certain cancers, nutritional deficiencies, long-term use of some medicines, or other medical conditions may fracture after relatively minor trauma. The mechanism and severity of injury determine the fracture pattern.
Chronic Disease
Risk Factors
Risk depends on the type and strength of injury as well as the condition of the bone. Older age, osteoporosis, low bone density, previous fractures, inadequate calcium or vitamin D, certain medical conditions, and long-term use of some medicines can weaken bones. Participation in high-impact sports, occupations involving physical hazards, poor balance, and fall-prone environments can increase the chance of traumatic fractures.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Fractures are diagnosed using the injury history, physical examination, and imaging. X-rays are commonly used to identify most fractures and determine their location and alignment. CT or MRI may be needed for complex injuries or fractures that are difficult to see on standard X-rays. The evaluation may also assess nearby blood vessels, nerves, joints, and soft tissues. Bone health may require additional assessment when fractures occur with minimal trauma.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Not all fractures can be prevented, but maintaining strong bones and reducing injury risks can lower the likelihood
Adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing activity, avoidance of smoking, and moderation of alcohol support bone health
Fall prevention is especially important for older adults
Using appropriate protective equipment during sports and hazardous activities and following safe movement practices can reduce traumatic injuries
Prevention Guidance
Not all fractures can be prevented, but maintaining strong bones and reducing injury risks can lower the likelihood. Adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing activity, avoidance of smoking, and moderation of alcohol support bone health. Fall prevention is especially important for older adults. Using appropriate protective equipment during sports and hazardous activities and following safe movement practices can reduce traumatic injuries.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich Foods
Support healing
Calcium-rich Foods
Support bone repair
Vitamin C Foods
Support tissue healing
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May delay healing
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone.
Falls, trauma, and weakened bones are common causes.
Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the limb.
Usually through X-rays or other imaging tests.
Healing time depends on the bone and severity.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.