What You Can Do for a Bone Fracture
WVU Medicine Orthopaedic Expert on what to do until medical help arrives
Accidents happen to everyone, and sometimes a fall, trip, collision, or sports injury can lead to a broken bone.
“A fractured, or broken, bone is a serious injury that needs urgent medical attention,” WVU Medicine Foot and Ankle Surgeon Seth Eberhardt, DPM, said. “The first step is to get to an Urgent Care, Orthopaedic Clinic, or Emergency Room for treatment as soon as possible.”
Signs of a bone fracture include:
- A visible deformity and bruising.
- Swelling and tenderness.
- Severe pain.
- Inability to move the impacted body part, or a limited range of motion.
“If you’ve broken a bone and it’s piercing the skin, we refer to that as a compound or open fracture,” Dr. Eberhardt said. “This is an emergency due to the risk of bleeding and infection, and you should call 911.”
While you wait for medical attention for a compound fracture, Dr. Eberhardt advises applying a clean cloth or medical gauze to the area surrounding the wound to address any bleeding, without touching the visible bone. If the broken bone is in an extremity like the leg, foot or ankle, elevate the area.
“For a closed or simple fracture, there are some things you can do while enroute to or waiting for medical assistance,” Dr. Eberhardt said.
- Immobilize and stabilize the affected area, keeping the injury as neutrally positioned as possible.
- Apply ice.
- Elevate the injured body part.
A medical professional can properly evaluate and diagnose the severity of the fracture and provide treatment, which can include a split, cast, bone realignment, or surgery.
If you sustain a fracture, seek treatment at any of our Eastern Panhandle-area Urgent Care clinics or at the Emergency Departments at WVU Medicine Berkeley and Jefferson Medical Centers.
Learn more about foot and ankle care for active lives here.