Broken Bones

Broken bones – also called fractures - are among the most common of all orthopedic injuries. Millions each year are treated for bone fractures. Falls cause most broken bones, but the most serious broken bones are usually the result of vehicle accidents. ⁽¹⁾ Surprisingly, osteoporosis is responsible for nearly 1.5 million cases of fractures in adults each year in the United States. ⁽²⁾ Broken bones are the fourth most common injury for children under the age of
six. ⁽³⁾

Bone Fractures Require Medical Intervention

There are some general symptoms of a broken bone:

• A misshapen or out of place limb
• Pain or swelling around the injury site
• Inability to put weight on leg
• Inability to move arm or leg without pain

However, not all fractures are easy to detect. Swelling may be delayed and the victim may still be able to move – and walk on – the affected area. If you suspect a broken bone, come in for a complete evaluation at our urgent care clinic.

Open fractures are broken bones that poke through the skin and can be very dangerous. This type of fracture requires emergency treatment because the risk for infection and further damage to veins, arteries and nerves is very high.

A broken bone may not be broken at all, but rather a dislocated joint. Dislocations are considered as serious as a fracture, and the victim should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Diagnosing and Treating Broken Bones

Fractures are diagnosed by first conducting a physical exam. Swelling and pain in the area of the broken bone often make a diagnosis relatively simple. However, x-rays may be recommended for better evaluation.

Once a fracture is diagnosed, the bone may need to be reset to the proper position. A splint may be used for a few days to allow the swelling to go down. Then, a cast is applied, which holds the bone in place to allow it to heal (or knit). Most broken bones in children take about 4 to 6 weeks to heal completely. Healing may take longer in older adults or in the case of severe fractures.

Our Clinic Provides Urgent Care When You Need It Most

No one plans on a broken bone, which is why we’re here. We offer urgent care without an appointment – even on evenings, weekends and holidays. Emergency rooms treat broken bones, but sometimes the wait can be long. Patients usually spend much less time waiting for treatment when they come to our urgent care clinic. The friendly professionals and staff in our urgent care clinic will provide you with the very best treatment available.

Gardens Urgent Care treats patients with broken bones all over Palm Beach County, including the cities of Greenacres, Jupiter, Lake Worth, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and West Palm Beach, from two convenient locations seven days a week.