A fracture is a break or crack in the bone. It is usually caused by trauma, osteoporosis, and overuse. Fractures caused by overuse or repetitive motion are known as stress fractures and are common in athletes.

Types of Fractures

There are two main classifications of fractures: compound (open) and simple (closed). A fracture is considered compound when the broken bone has pierced through the soft tissues and the skin, creating an open wound. A simple fracture, on the other hand, has little to no damage to the soft tissues surrounding the bone.

Aside from these two major classifications, there are also other types of fractures:

• Greenstick. An incomplete fracture wherein the bone did not separate completely. This is common in children because their bones are more flexible.
• Spiral. Commonly seen in a twisting injury wherein the break spirals around the bone.
• Transverse. The fracture is a horizontal line across the bone.
• Compression. The bone appears crushed or compressed, making it look flatter. This is usually seen in the spine.
• Oblique. The fracture is a diagonal break across the bone.
• Segmental. A segment of the bone is floating because the same bone is fractured in two places. This is commonly seen in long bone fractures.
• Comminuted. There are three or more fragments of broken bones at the site of impact.
• Stress. Usually caused by repeated movements and actions that increase the pressure on the bones.

Signs and Symptoms of Fractures

If a fracture is suspected, you should look for the following signs and symptoms, according to experts in sports medicine in Boca Raton. Fractures are generally painful and the pain gets worse with movement. There are also swelling, bruising, and deformity. Compound or open fractures are easier to diagnose, as you can see the broken bone protruding from the skin.

Common Fractures in Sports

Stress fractures are most commonly seen in athletes whose sports require repetitive movements such as marathon runners. Fractures are also common in contact sports such as basketball, rugby, and football. The most commonly fractured bones in contact sports are the hands, wrist, collarbone, ankle, feet, and the long bones of the lower extremities.

First Aid Treatment for Fractures

If you suspect a fractured bone, stop whatever you are doing and following these initial treatments recommended by our doctors in sports medicine Boca Raton to prevent the injury from getting worse.

According to a study in the World Journal of Orthopedics, the goal of treatment in sports medicine is to quickly restore the function of the injured area to help the patient return to play at the soonest and safest possible time.

• Rest. Rest and avoid moving the injured area unnecessarily, as this is very painful and can make the fracture worse.
• Control the bleeding, in case of a compound fracture. Using a sterile or a clean bandage or a piece of clothing, apply pressure to the wound.
• Ice and immobilization. Apply an ice pack to the injured area to prevent further swelling and relieve pain. Do not apply the ice directly to the skin. Immobilize the injury using a splint. You can use a hard splint, like a padded board or a cardboard box, for long bone fractures and a soft splint, like a folded blanket, towels and a pillow for ankle, wrist, and collarbone fractures.
• Compress. Secure the splint in place using a bandage or a strip of cloth. Do not tie it too tightly, as this can impede blood flow. Do not place the ties directly over the fractured area; they should be above and below the injury.
• Elevate. Once the splint is secured, elevating the injury can help control the bleeding and reduce the swelling.

The patient must be brought to the nearest equipped healthcare facility for further medical assessment and treatment.

Learn more about Orthopedics in Palm Beach County

Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology – you are in good hands.

If you have been experiencing knee pain, don’t hesitate to consult our specialist orthopedics in Palm Beach County to get a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis of your condition. You can also request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Too much of something never ends well, and this applies to everything, including one’s health and lifestyle choices.

Playing sports is an effective way to lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent the development of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. However, experts in sports medicine in Boca Raton warn that not taking the time to rest and recover after a particularly intense game or training session can take a toll on your body.

Understanding Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is an overuse injury that commonly affects the bones of the lower extremities. These injuries are prevalent in athletes and military recruits who participate in rigorous training. When the muscles become tired, they fail to absorb shock efficiently. The shock and stress from the muscles will then be transferred to the bones, creating a small crack termed as a stress fracture.

The weight-bearing bones in the lower extremities, particularly the shinbone and the small bones of the foot, are more prone to stress fractures. In fact, they account for over 50% of stress fracture cases. These fractures occur gradually and result from exerting a steadily increasing amount and intensity of stress in a short period of time.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are not painful at first, but the pain worsens over time. The pain usually intensifies with physical activity and weight-bearing and subsides with rest. Swelling and inflammation may also be present around the affected area.

Who Are at Risk

Basketball, gymnastics, tennis, and track and field players are prone to developing stress fractures because of repeated contact between their feet and the ground, creating stress and trauma.

Likewise, female athletes have been shown to sustain more stress fractures compared to males. This is attributed to the decreasing bone density in females as they near the menopausal age.

Patients who have had a stress fracture in the past are also more likely to be injured once more compared to those who never had them before.

What to Do?

If you think you might be suffering from a stress fracture, consult an expert in sports medicine in Boca Raton. Our doctors will have to perform a thorough physical examination and run tests to ensure that you are not suffering from anything else before starting treatment.

Rest is a key element to recover from stress fractures. Patients should avoid engaging in the activity that caused the fracture until the injury heals completely. Otherwise, there is a risk for re-injury, which usually takes a longer time to heal.

Patients may also wear braces and inserts to stabilize the injured body part and help the fractured bone heal faster.

Where to Find the Best Providers of Sports Medicine in Boca Raton

Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many athletes and orthopedic patients to improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology to treat your condition – you are in good hands.

If you are suffering from a stress fracture or know someone who does, don’t hesitate to consult our specialists to get a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis of your condition. You can also request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives.
Wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Your posture refers to the way you carry your body, including the position of your arms and legs. Having a good posture is not only aesthetically pleasing; it also helps keep your bones and muscles in proper alignment.

Whether it’s because of slouching on a couch, bending down to type on the computer, or looking down at a phone screen, having a poor posture is a result of bad sitting and standing habits developed over the years. Our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton says that people don’t develop poor posture overnight. That’s why keeping it in check is important to prevent a bad habit from affecting your posture.

Negative effects of poor posture

Aside from musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and poor balance, there are other lesser-known effects of poor posture to your health. These include:

Constipation

Constipation refers to an infrequent passage of stool or incomplete bowel emptying. Although there are several factors that can contribute to constipation, such as inactivity, dehydration, and a low-fiber diet, having poor posture is another factor to look at.

If you have poor posture when sitting down, you’re likely going to sit that way even when you’re on the toilet. People who sit with their back hunched over and their knees lower than hip level are prone to constipation, as this sitting position closes the anus.

Acid reflux

Slouching after eating can lead to poor digestion and acid reflux, which happens when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. This can lead to a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn. When you slouch after a meal, you are putting pressure on the abdomen which causes the stomach acid to flow back up.

Urinary incontinence

Since slouching can increase the pressure inside the abdomen, it also puts pressure on the bladder. If your pelvic muscles cannot hold the pressure from the bladder, you will be leaking urine when you cough, laugh or even sneeze.

What is the correct posture?

The correct posture is an upright position wherein your spine is in a neutral state, not bent backward or forward. Pull your head and shoulders back to keep them in proper alignment.

Maintaining a correct posture can be hard, especially if you’ve neglected your posture for too long. Straighten yourself up every time you catch yourself in a slouching position. Using lumbar support or an ergonomic chair can also help.

If these still don’t help, consult our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton to find out if your poor posture is caused by a medical condition.

Want to learn effective methods for posture correction? Experts in Orthopedics, Boca Raton are here to help

Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology – you are in good hands.

If you have been suffering from physiologic effects of poor posture, don’t hesitate to consult our specialist Orthopedics, Boca Raton to get a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis of your condition. You can also request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.