Human bones are incredibly strong. However, if enough force is applied or an area is weakened, it can lead to a fracture. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common categories of break and the orthopedic care required to help them heal correctly. 

What Are Common Bone Fractures? 

1. Stress 

Repetitive motions can end up placing too much strain on a bone, resulting in small cracks. Also known as hairline fractures, stress breaks are common among athletes and military personnel, whose training requires the same exercises over and over again. Yet, anyone who regularly works out, runs, hikes, or plays sports can experience them. 

Stress fractures are common in the foot and leg, where the bulk of a person’s weight is supported. The break is so small that it’s not always obvious.Typically, it begins with minor pain and a dull ache that worsens over time, usually becoming severe with swelling. 

The small size makes it hard to view stress fractures on X-rays, so an orthopedic doctor may use an MRI or bone scan to pinpoint the damage. Often, rest is the primary treatment, but surgery is a possibility in some extreme cases. 

2. Compound

A compound or open fracture occurs when part of a broken bone penetrates through the skin. Such a serious break can occur anywhere on the body, but legs and arms are the most prone spots. Commonly, it's a result of a traumatic event, like a car accident, but it can also happen as a result of a fall or sports injury. 

An open wound in this manner poses an incredible risk for infection, requiring immediate treatment. Surgery is necessary to clean and reset the bone and close the opening. The severity of the injury requires significant healing time with ongoing orthopedic care, like physical therapy, needed to regain strength and motion. 

3. Compression

A compression fracture impacts a person’s spine. The break occurs in the vertebrae, crushing them into collapse. This process places pressure on the spinal cord, which results in significant pain that worsens over time. Often, the pressure is reduced when lying down, offering temporary relief. 

Fractures in this category are often caused by a traumatic event, like a car accident, or as a result of osteoporosis, which weakens the bones overtime. For treatment, surgery may be required as well as physical therapy aimed at strengthening the back and spine. 

When bone-related health issues arise, put your trust in the reliable team at Orthopedic Associates of Hawaii in Honolulu, HI. From surgery to physical therapy, the local medical clinic provides a range of valuable orthopedic care solutions. Review their full range of services online, and reach out for more information today at (808) 536-2261.