Bone breaks or fractures are prevalent injuries and can affect anyone at any age. Bone fractures often are caused by falls, trauma, or a direct blow to the body. Overuse or repetitive motions can tire muscles and put more pressure on the bone, causing stress fractures, most common in athletes. Millions of people break a bone every year.
A broken bone or fracture occurs when there is a break or cracks in the bone after a force is exerted against the bone stronger than the bone can withstand. The break or fracture disturbs the bone's structure and strength, leading to pain, loss of function, and sometimes bleeding and injury around the site. Any bone in the body can be fractured or broken, but certain bones are more prone to these injuries.
Here is a list of the most commonly broken bones:
- Arm- Half of all broken bones experienced by adults are in the arm and account for more than 40% of all childhood fractures. A broken arm typically takes about 12 weeks before regaining decent strength, and complete healing of the bone can take six to twelve months for both adults and children.
- Ankle- Ankle breaks tend to happen when the ankle is twisted and rolled; this often leads to damage to the ligaments in the ankle, too. A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
- Collarbone - Also called the clavicle, the collarbone attaches your arms to your body. When collarbones break, they tend to do so right in the middle. A collarbone break typically is treated with several weeks of an arm in a sling, and certain breaks may require surgery to reset. It takes about six to eight weeks to heal in adults and three to six weeks in children.
- Wrist - Most broken wrists result from people trying to catch themselves in a fall. Certain sports put you at greater risk of a wrist fracture. Treating a broken wrist as soon as possible is essential to protect alignment. Early treatment will also help minimize pain and stiffness. After a wrist fracture, most of the healing happens between six to twelve weeks.
- Foot - Did you know about a quarter of all the bones in your body are found in your feet? It's not surprising that a foot break is one of the most commonly experienced breaks. Soccer, ballet dancers, and basketball players often experience fractures in their foot bones. Generally, a foot break will take six to eight weeks to heal.
If you suspect you have a broken bone, consult the specialist at South Palm Orthopedics for an evaluation & treatment recommendation call today at (561) 496-6622.
Dr. Steve E. Meadows is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training. Dr. Meadows performs numerous surgeries per year, including fractures and reconstruction. Our team of physicians provides an advanced level of care, integrating the newest cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical techniques with proven traditional methods of treatment. The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to each and every patient each and every time