Fractures are broken bones that occur when the external force is greater than the pressure the bones can handle. Broken bones are a serious injury and require medical attention to ensure proper healing of the tissue.
Myths about fractures can lead individuals to confusion. Don’t let misconceptions prevent you from getting necessary medical care. In this blog, we discuss common fracture myths and misconceptions to help you understand this type of orthopedic injury.
Myth # 1: Only athletes or active individuals get fractures.
Fact: While it’s true that athletes see a greater incidence of fractures due to their increased level of physical activity, a fracture can happen to anyone, from pediatric patients to seniors. Even with a sedentary lifestyle, you can sustain a fracture.
The most common causes of a fracture include:
- Falls – Falling from a height or slipping on a surface are leading causes of fractures.
- Motor vehicle accidents – High-impact collisions are a common cause of fractures in the neck and clavicle, as well as the upper extremities and lower extremities.
- Sports injuries – Participating in contact sports such as football or engaging in other sports activities such as basketball and volleyball without proper protection can lead to a fracture.
- Repetitive stress – Overuse or repetitive stress on certain bones can cause stress a fracture, commonly seen in athletes or individuals engaged in high-impact activities like running.
- Workplace accidents – Accidents in the workplace, such as getting struck by objects or accidents involving heavy machinery, can result in a fracture.
Myth # 2: If you can move your injured limb, it means it’s not fractured.
Fact: The ability to move a limb does not rule out the possibility of a fracture. In fact, some fractures may allow limited movement despite being broken. Only an assessment by a medical professional and imaging tests can accurately diagnose a fracture.
Myth # 3: Fractures always cause immediate and severe pain.
Fact: While fractures can cause severe pain, it is usually dependent on the type of fracture and the pain tolerance of the individual. Smaller fractures may not cause pain and without knowledge of the fracture, lack of proper treatment can lead to the condition becoming worse. If there is an incident that has started causing pain in one of your limbs, it is best to consult an orthopedic specialist.
Myth # 4: Fractures heal faster if they are left untreated.
Fact: This is a very dangerous myth that is associated with the belief that fractures heal on their own. While it’s true, a fracture can heal naturally once the bones are in proper alignment, it does not mean individuals should not get a proper assessment by an orthopedic specialist.
There are many serious risks of an untreated fracture, such as delayed healing or deformity. Fractures require proper medical intervention to determine the type and severity of the fracture and to ensure optimal healing of the broken bone.
Myth # 5: Once a fracture has healed, there is no need for follow-up care.
Fact: Follow-up care is essential even after a fracture has healed. It allows orthopedic doctors to monitor the progress of bone healing and ensure it is healing correctly. It is through follow-up visits that patients receive appropriate guidance and support for a successful recovery.
Myth # 6: Fractures require surgery to treat.
Fact: While some fractures may require surgical intervention, many fractures can be effectively treated without surgery. Non-surgical treatments, like casting and splinting are often sufficient for proper healing of many different types of fractures, such as simple fractures and non-displaced fractures.
Myth # 7: Increased calcium intake accelerates healing of a fracture.
Fact: While calcium is important for bone health, consuming excessive amounts of calcium will not speed up the healing of a fracture. A better approach is to eat a healthy diet that contains all essential nutrients that support bone healing.
Myth #8: Fractures have a specific timeline for healing.
Fact: The way our bodies respond to injuries depends on individual factors such as age and overall health. The type of fracture also matters. Children usually recover faster than adults, and adults can experience delays in healing due to chronic medical conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes.
Myth #9: Fractures are a normal part of aging.
Fact: Fractures should not be considered a normal part of aging. Loss of bone density may be more common with age, but fractures are never considered normal. Fractures are a type of orthopedic injury that can have serious long-term implications in seniors.
Fracture Treatment in North Dakota
For superior quality fracture care, choose the team of orthopedic specialists at The Bone & Joint Center. Our orthopedic surgeons are skilled in fracture care – with Level I and Level II trauma center experience – and can expertly handle any type of fracture in our office.
Give your broken bone the best chance at a full recovery. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our online request form.
We look forward to seeing you in any one of our orthopedic clinics in North Dakota.
