A broken or cracked bone is called a fracture. A bone fracture can occur anywhere in the body. It might be the collarbone, or an arm, hand, leg, or foot. It can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer to heal.
Caring for a Bone FractureA broken or cracked bone is called a fracture. A bone fracture can occur anywhere in the body. It might be the collarbone, or an arm, hand, leg, or foot. It can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer to heal.How fractures are treatedA bone fracture is often treated with a sling, elastic bandage, splint, or cast. In some cases, you may need surgery to line up broken bones or make other repairs.A splint or cast can help prevent more damage and reduce pain by keeping the bone from moving. A splint is often used as the first treatment. You may get a splint, and then see a specialist for a cast or surgery. A splint may be all that you need. But often a splint is used for a few days until swelling goes down, and then a cast is put on.Caring for a splint or castIf you have a splint or cast, follow these care guidelines:Keep the splint or cast dry. Don't put any weight on a splint or cast unless you're told you can. Never put anything sharp inside your splint or cast to scratch an itch. Don't remove padding or change any part of your splint or cast. Don't remove the splint until your healthcare provider says you can. If your toes or fingers turn blue or tingle, call your health care provider or go to the emergency room. Caring for a sling or elastic bandageA sling is used only for comfort. Once the pain has gone, you may no longer need it.Use it as long as your healthcare provider tells you to. You can remove it when sleeping or bathing.Your injury may be wrapped in an elastic bandage. This is to help decrease swelling and pain. Remove the bandage before sleeping, unless it's used to keep your splint in place.Make sure your skin is clean and dry before putting the bandage back on. Don't wrap it too tightly. Loosen it if your toes or fingers swell, turn blue, or tingle.Managing pain and swellingA broken bone can cause pain and swelling for several days. The pain may get worse in the first 24 hours after your injury.There are several ways you can manage pain and swelling.Raise the injured area above the level of your heart.Put an ice bag wrapped in a thin, dry cloth on the area. Do this for about 20 minutes every 2 hours for the first 2 to 3 days. Don't put ice or an ice bag directly on your skin.You may be able to take over-the-counter pain medicine, as needed. Follow the dosage on the package label. Or you may need a prescription medicine. Take it exactly as directed. Don't take any over-the-counter medicine while taking prescription medicine unless you check with your healthcare provider first.Safety tips for a broken boneIf you have an injured arm, elbow, wrist, or hand:Don't lift anything with your injured arm. Raise your hand higher than your arm as often as you can, and Wiggle your fingers often. If you have an injured leg, knee, foot or ankle:Use crutches, a walker, or a cane exactly as directed. Raise your foot higher than your knee when you're resting. Wiggle your toes often, and Don't put your weight on the injured leg until your health care provider says it's OK. When to call your healthcare providerCall your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have:Pain that gets worse, and doesn't get better after taking pain medicine Fingers or toes that turn pale or blue, go numb, or tingle Severe pain that gets worse when you move Fever or chills, or Skin over the area that turns red and warm Getting follow-up careWhen you have a broken bone, follow-up care is important. Your healthcare team will make sure your bone is healing properly. You may follow up with your primary care provider. Or you may see a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon.Taking all the right steps to get proper treatment for your bone fracture will help it heal right so you can get back to normal!What we have learnedMedicine is just one way to reduce pain after a bone fracture. Applying ice and raising the injured part can help. True or false? The answer is true. Ice and elevation can reduce pain and swelling. Raise the injured area above the level of your heart. Use an ice pack for about 20 minutes every 2 hours for the first 2 to 3 days.If you have numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes after a fracture, this is normal. True or false? The answer is false. Numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes after a fracture can mean there is a serious problem. Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2021
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