5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Broken bones
Broken bones require immediate attention. Broken bones are also susceptible to serious complications that can get worse if left untreated, so it’s important not to leave a broken bone unattended. Be sure you identify which of your bones are broken and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A broken bone is one of those injuries that’s scary because it seems like it’s not just painful and debilitating, but permanent. But even if you break a bone, there are ways to heal it faster and alleviate some of that pain. If you find yourself with a broken bone, don’t try to put off going to an emergency room. While many milder breaks can be treated at home or by your primary doctor (and waiting helps ensure healing), severe injuries should always be evaluated by emergency personnel immediately—because every minute counts in such a serious situation. If you have reason to believe someone might have broken a bone—particularly if there’s blood or deformity involved—don’t hesitate; get them help right away. Not sure whether you need an ER visit?
Broken bones happen when you fall or get hit and your body is in shock. This can make it hard for your bones to heal, which means you’ll need medical help. When a bone breaks, it’s called a fracture. If there’s bleeding around your fracture, you could have an open fracture. An open fracture means that broken bone shards are in your body with blood surrounding them. These types of fractures need surgery right away or they could become infected.
Fractures can be broken down into two general categories: closed and open. A closed fracture means that no skin is broken, while an open fracture is more complicated and has more risks. The doctor will likely give you a splint for a simple fracture, but in many cases, you’ll need a cast to ensure proper healing. A cast (sometimes referred to as a brace) is typically made of fiberglass or plaster and can get itchy. If you have an open fracture, be sure to notify your doctor immediately; there’s more risk of infection with these kinds of injuries.
