Menu:
Leg Fracture
A broken leg, or fracture, is a break or crack in one of the leg bones. This can happen in any sports but generally occurs in those which involves running or has use of some equipment such as a hockey stick etc.
In general there are two main types of fractures: open or closed. An open, or compound, fracture means that an end of the bone has broken through the skin. A closed fracture has not broken the skin. The type of break often depends on the cause.
The break could be a simple break straight across the bone or it could be one of many other specific types of fractures. Some common fracture types in legs include:
- Transverse fracture: The bone is broken at an angle.
- Impacted fracture: The ends of two bones collide and break.
- Stress fracture: A hairline crack in the bone caused by stress or overuse.
- Avulsion fracture: Part of a muscle pulls away from the bone and breaks part of the bone off.
- Comminuted fracture: There are several bone fragments in the break.
- Greenstick fracture: The bone bends and breaks just on one side.
How does it occur?
Leg fractures can occur in many ways such as falls, direct blows, and overuse. Sometimes diseases or problems such as osteoporosis can cause bones to become weak and break more easily.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a leg fracture include:
- pain
- tenderness
- swelling
- limited range of motion
- pain made worse by movement
- grating of bone ends
- muscle spasm during slight movement
- inability to walk
- Deformed looking leg
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a broken bone, you need to get an X-ray done. After that your doctor would examine and prescribe the necessary medication based on your x-ray report. He or she may also examine your knee to check if you also have a knee injury.
How is it treated?
- Your provider will need to set the bones back into the proper position. Sometimes this requires surgery. Your leg may need to be set in a splint or cast to keep it from moving.
- If there is an open wound over the site of the leg fracture, you may need surgery.
- You may need to use crutches or a cane for awhile. Your provider will tell you when you should start putting full weight on your leg again
How long will the effects last?
The time needed to heal depends on the kind of fracture, its location, the type of treatment, and how well you heal.
Preventing leg fracture
Often a broken leg occurs from an accident that cannot be prevented. However, you can help prevent leg injuries by:
- Wearing the proper, correctly fitting shoes when you exercise.
- Gently stretching before and after physical activities such as aerobics, running, and sports.
- Working and playing safely