How To Tell The Difference Between A Broken Bone And A Sprain

Types of Breaks

There are several different types of breaks that can occur; the first is a simple break, which is characterized by the bone not breaking through the surrounding muscle tissue or skin. The next type is an exposed break, which leaves the bone protruding from the surrounding soft tissue and the surface of the skin. An oblique fracture is a break that is angled on the shaft of the bone while a comminuted fracture breaks the bone into small fragments. The last kind of break is called a spiral fracture, which occurs around the axis of the affected bone.

Sprains

A sprain occurs when the affected joint is twisted, which then injures the surrounding ligaments. These ligaments will suffer a rupture, either partially or completely. The symptoms of a sprain include hematoma (bruising), swelling, and being unable to move the injured area. Resting the affected area is crucial in treating a sprain, as well as applying a cold compress, but never directly on the skin. The skin must remain protected from the cold with a towel or cloth. A mild sprain will usually heal in ten days, while more severe sprains could require up to five weeks to properly heal.