Minor Fractures Treatment Clinic Q&A

The most common symptom of a fracture, whether major or minor, is sudden pain, accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and bruising. The patient can have difficulty moving the affected limb and the pain can gradually get worse if it is not rested, is still weight-bearing, and is either moved or touched. The severity of symptoms typically depends on the type and classification of the fracture. In some cases, the patient may experience nausea and/or dizziness if the pain is particularly intense, and in others the symptoms can be less severe.

Minor fractures can sometimes heal on their own, but activities have to be modified so that they do not put extra weight or stress on the affected area. Ideally, a medical professional should always look at any fracture, even a minor one. They will attempt to realign the bones and will stabilize them using a plastic or fiberglass cast, the most common treatment designed to keep the bones from moving while they heal. A person may sometimes be unaware that they have a minor fracture, and in this case the bone may heal on its own, but it may not heal correctly.

As previously stated, some minor fractures can go undetected and, therefore, untreated. This can cause complications resulting in a more serious fracture or break developing which would, in turn, involve more complicated treatments. If you suspect you may have a minor, or hairline, fracture it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Depending on the time of day and the urgency of the situation, someone with a suspected minor fracture will have to decide whether to go to their doctor’s office, an Urgent Care center or the Emergency Room. Urgent care centers are designed and equipped to treat non-life-threatening injuries and conditions in a timely manner, so if a fracture in a hand, wrist, ankle, or foot is suspected this would normally be the best option. It is not advisable to wait for a doctor’s appointment because although most fractures are not life-threatening, they do require immediate treatment. The urgent care physician will carry out an initial assessment of the affected area and will order x-rays to confirm whether or not the bone has been fractured. They will then diagnose the injury and provide the necessary treatment. The injured limb will be dressed, a splint or cast fitted as deemed appropriate, and pain medication will be prescribed. As in most medical situations, the sooner you get treatment for a fracture, the sooner the pain can be managed and the easier the treatment will be. 

If you have any questions or concerns about fractures and their treatment visit Priority Urgent Care today! Our doctors, medical staff, and facility are equipped to handle all your medical needs, and there is no need to make an appointment – just walk in! We serve children, adults and seniors, seven days a week, and have convenient locations in Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford, CT and Newington, CT.