Broken Bone Symptoms—And Why They’re Not Always Easy to Recognize
The term broken bone is practically synonymous with phrases like unbearable pain—and for good reason. Fracture symptoms are typically very unpleasant, with some of the most common including:
- Sudden and intense pain
- Labored and extremely limited range of movement
![x-ray of fractured bone | Caldwell Urgent Care Clinic]()
- Visibly deformed skin or bone
However, broken bones trigger a much greater range of symptoms than most people expect, some even debilitating, but not always what you might associate with such an injury. A stress fracture, for instance, could prompt any of the following:
- Swelling, tenderness, and “shaky” sensation.
- Pain that’s both constant and noticeable.
- Pain that might only present when exercising or engaging in physical activity.
- Pain that’s almost always present but which becomes more noticeable when you’ve stopped exercising to take a break.
Breaking a bone could also cause symptoms not usually associated with fractures, such as nausea or dizziness. Mild injuries left untreated for prolonged periods of time also create an increased risk of infection—and, in rare cases, profound emotional disturbances.
Why You Should Never Wait to Treat a Suspected Fracture- Visit Our Caldwell Urgent Care For Help
If ignored or left untreated, even mild fractures carry a risk of serious complications. This is due in part to the way your body heals itself after sustaining a fracture. In most cases, healing takes the following course:
- Blood clots form at the site of injury.
- The immune system dispatches cells to clean the wound of any potential hazards.
- Callus, a type of bony and cartilaginous tissue, appears to stabilize the fracture and provide a framework for new bone growth.
- Callus formation ceases, with new bone tissue taking its place.
When the healing process is aided and overseen by a medical professional, serious fractures typically heal without issue. However, improper or delayed treatment can prevent the damaged bone from receiving the stability or blood supply it needs to mend itself. The resulting complications could include:
- Bone infections, which are often introduced by foreign bacteria entering the body in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic accident.
- Bone deformities, like malunion, caused by misaligned bones that heal in abnormal positions.
- Delayed and nonunion fractures, characterized by abnormal delays to the healing process or an outright failure to heal.
Failed, improper, or abnormal bone healing isn’t just painful—conditions like malunion can cause life-long disability and significantly increase your risk for arthritis.
Caldwell Urgent Care for Broken Bones
The professionals at Core Medicine of Idaho take pride in being an efficient alternative to larger Boise-area hospitals. If you or a family member has been injured and suspect a fracture injury, here’s what our Caldwell clinic can provide.
Making the decision to head to the hospital isn’t always easy—especially if you’re short on cash, or can’t afford to spend hours waiting in a lobby. Fortunately, Core Medicine of Idaho provides a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective alternative. At our Caldwell clinic, most patients can see a provider immediately and without having to wait in line.
On-Site X-Ray Imaging
Diagnosing a broken bone could be a matter of common sense, or a suspicion that can be confirmed only after taking an X-ray and receiving professional input. Our clinic’s on-site X-ray services eliminate the need for guesswork and referrals, giving you same-day peace of mind.