Minor fractures, also called stress or hairlines fractures, are when the bone does not break completely but rather has a small crack or severe bruise. Here are some quick facts about minor fractures:
Risk Factors and Signs of a Minor Fracture
Anyone is potentially at risk for developing a minor fracture. However, they typically develop through overuse, so they are most often seen in athletes who do not allow sufficient time for rest between exercises. Women are also prone to stress fractures, especially if they over-diet and exercise. In addition, anyone with osteoporosis is at risk of a fracture due to weaker bones.
Signs of a stress fracture include:
- Pain that gets worse over time, especially when you move or touch the area
- Difficulty putting weight or moving the injured area
- Swelling or bruising at the area of pain
Home Treatments for Minor Fractures
If you suspect that you have a minor fracture, use the RICE method:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Traditionally, doctors did not recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin. However, recent research shows
that it does not affect healing. If the pain becomes severe or does not go away with rest, it’s vital that you seek medical attention.
Medical Treatments for Minor Fractures
After taking your medical history and assessing your overall health, your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to determine the cause of pain. You may need to have an MRI or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
When your healthcare provider confirms a minor fracture, they will require that you keep weight off of the injury. They may provide you with crutches or a cast to help you avoid injuring it further. If the damage is severe, surgery to place screws or pins may be required.
How Long Treatment Takes
It typically takes six to eight weeks for a fracture to heal completely. During that time, it is critical to modify your activities to keep pressure off the bone. For example, cycling or swimming might be a better activity that keeps weight off of the injury. Once the injury heals completely, you will need to incorporate movement back into your exercise routine gradually.
Keep Bones Healthy & Strong
With the proper treatment, you will be able to heal completely and get back to activities soon. However, it is critical that you give your bone the time and rest that it needs to mend.
Patient Plus Urgent Care has eight locations equipped with X-Ray machines and healthcare professionals available to examine, diagnose, and treat minor fractures. All clinics are open from 9am-9pm every day for you to Get In. Get Better.
Patient Plus Urgent Care – Get in, Get better.
When you’re sick or injured, whether routine or urgent, quality medical care should be easy to find and available when you need it. That’s the idea behind Patient Plus Urgent Care, with convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Prairieville, & Brusly.
Patient Plus treats most common illnesses and injuries — the sniffles, rashes, fevers, aches, breaks, and other conditions that deserve prompt treatment but aren’t serious enough to require a trip to the nearest emergency room. The clinics provide complete diagnostic services, including X-rays, EKGs, and flu and strep tests. Other services include physicals, vaccinations, and more. Patient Plus clinics are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and patients never need to call first or make an appointment.