Broken Bones
My Urgent Care Clinic
Urgent Care located in Boerne, TX & Bergheim, TX
Broken bones, also known as fractures, are common, affecting more than a million Americans every year. Although most broken bones are caused by some type of trauma, such as a fall or a car accident, they can also be the result of a serious bone condition like osteoporosis. The team of experts at My Urgent Care Clinic in Boerne and Bergheim, Texas, provides complete care, including on-site X-rays, for all types of broken bones. If you suspect you have a bone fracture, call the office or walk in for an immediate appointment.
Broken Bones Q & A
What causes bone fractures?
Your bones are rigid enough to give your body structure and support, but they’re also flexible in that they provide some amount of give under pressure. A bone may break, however, when an outside force pushes it beyond its inherent flexibility.
The severity of a bone fracture usually depends on the force that caused it: A force that’s slightly greater than a bone’s breaking point may just cause a small crack, while extreme force may cause a bone to shatter.
Bone fractures are usually caused by one of the following:
- Trauma: The vast majority of broken bones are due to some type of trauma, which are often sustained in a fall, during a car accident, or on the sports field.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions that fatigue your muscles tend to put more force on bones, which may result in a stress fracture. Athletes are more prone to overuse fractures.
- Osteoporosis: This chronic condition weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures, even during normal activities.
What is acute bone fracture care?
Acute bone fracture care begins with a careful examination and X-ray evaluation, which offers an ultra-clear image of your bones and joints. The team at My Urgent Care Clinic has an on-site X-ray machine for fast diagnosis.
Whether you have a simple stress fracture or multiple breaks in a single bone, acute fracture care follows one basic rule: Your bone must be put back into position and prevented from moving until it heals completely.
For simple fractures, this is usually achieved with a splint or a cast. More complex breaks, such as a compound fracture, may require surgical repair.
How long does it take bone fractures to heal?
Your healing time depends on both the severity of your break, your bone health, and your overall health.
If you’re healthy and your bones are strong, partial breaks and hairline fractures may heal in as quickly as a few weeks. If you have a severe break or one that requires surgery, pins, or plates, you can expect your healing process to take several months.
How does physical therapy promote full recovery?
Even when your bone has healed completely, you may find you’ve lost some muscle strength in the affected area. To remedy this common problem, the team at My Urgent Care Clinic will give you therapeutic exercise recommendations designed to limit your risk of re-injury and help restore strength, stability, flexibility, and endurance.
Whether you’ve fractured a bone, sprained a tendon, or strained a muscle, the team at My Urgent Care Clinic in Boerne, Texas, can help. Call, walk-in, or schedule a same-day appointment online today.