Sprains, Fractures, and Breaks

Reviewed by: John DeLucchi, PT, DPT, SCS

Sprains, fractures, and breaks are among the most common acute orthopedic injuries that can occur due to accidents, sports activities, or everyday mishaps. These injuries can significantly impact an individual's mobility and levels of activity in ankles, wrists, legs, arms, and several other important areas of your body. At OrthoCarolina's orthopedic clinics, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for sprains, fractures, and breaks, catering to patients of all ages and activity levels.

Understanding Acute Orthopedic Injuries

Acute injuries are injuries that occur from an isolated, specific incident. Some of the most common acute injuries in orthopedics include:

Sprains

Sprains occur when ligaments, the connective tissues that support joints, are stretched or torn. Sports, high-impact activities, sudden movements, accidents like a bad fall or a car accident can lead to sprains.

A sprain can occur in any ligament in the body but the most vulnerable spots include those that take the biggest hits from falls or trauma. The three most common spots for sprains are the ankle, knee and wrist.

Fractures and Breaks

Fractures and breaks are interchangeable terms for the same type of injury: a crack or a break in your bone. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in different ways, ranging from a small hairline or stress fracture to a more complex injury, such as an open or comminuted fracture. This is why it is important to seek the guidance of an orthopedic healthcare provider. Breaks or fractures can occur wherever you have bones, including the ankles, wrists, arms, shoulders, hips, and legs. Falls, direct impacts, or excessive force are often the causes of broken or fractured bones.

Risks for Acute Injuries: Sprains, Fractures, and Breaks

Anyone who uses the body parts associated with the musculoskeletal system (in other words, everyone who uses their body for any kind of movement) can experience a sprain, fracture, or break. If you engage in sports or high-impact activities, you’re using these body parts more often and to a higher degree, and are at higher risk for injury.

Active adults engaged in high-impact sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, or running are at a higher risk of experiencing acute orthopedic injuries. The demands placed on their bodies during intense physical activities make them susceptible to sprains, fractures, or breaks. This risk is increased by many years of ongoing exposure to wear and tear.

Children participating in sports activities, such as football, gymnastics, skateboarding, or biking, are also prone to acute orthopedic injuries. Their developing coordination and active lifestyles increase the likelihood of experiencing sprains, fractures, or breaks.

With that said, you can sprain their ankle while walking to your mailbox, or break your wrist helping a friend move apartments. We treat all patients, and diligently treat people of all ages and activity levels to prevent injuries, treat them when they happen, and support ongoing wellness on a larger scale.

Treatment of Sprains, Fractures, and Breaks

For acute injuries, seeking immediate medical attention is the first step. OrthoCarolina's orthopedic walk-in urgent care clinics provide convenient access to same-day specialized care, meaning prompt evaluation and treatment of your injury.

Accurate diagnosis is a major part of ensuring you get proper mobility, and back to your activities as soon as possible. OrthoCarolina's experienced orthopedic specialists employ advanced imaging technology to accurately diagnose ankle injuries. This allows for personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific injury and requirements.

Treatment for breaks, features, and sprains may involve conservative measures such as:
Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
Immobilization with casts or braces,
Physical therapy

Checking Symptoms for Breaks, Sprains, and Tears

OrthoCarolina partners with the Hurt! App to help patients to assess their injuries at home before seeking medical attention. This app provides guidance on the urgency of care required, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their orthopedic injuries, and in-app access for making appointments at one of OrthoCarolina’s specialized orthopedic clinics.