Every year, about 6.8 million fractures occur in the United States. There are plenty of different types of fractures or breaks, and they can be caused by falls, osteoporosis, or repetitive motion. The likelihood of certain fractures occurring is different depending on your age and gender-men are more likely to experience a fracture than women. If you're concerned about breaking a bone and having to visit Southgate Healthcare in Carneys Point, NJ, here are the most common fractures you could experience as an adult.
Skull Fracture
If you're in a car accident or suffer a sports injury, you might find yourself with a skull fracture. The skull protects your brain, so the largest concern here is potential damage to that vital organ. A skull fracture will often require surgery, and the doctor will perform a CT scan to check on the health of your brain. If you ever suffer a head injury, you should head to the emergency room immediately. You'll probably notice bleeding or swelling at the injury site, which can be a sign that you may have a skull fracture. With a serious hand injury, you will need to take time off work. Make sure you have the best income protection insurance so you can maintain your typical income and continue to pay your bills during this time. Compare income protection with iSelect to find the right one for you and your family.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture can occur when you subject your body to repetitive motion. This is a common injury in the feet and ankles of runners because the bodies of these athletes are repeatedly impacting the ground while they run. It's also not uncommon for other athletes to experience stress fractures, and if the injury goes untreated it could become a completed fracture. If you're an older adult or someone who suffers from osteoporosis, you could find yourself with a stress fracture just from completing daily activities. Typically, you can quickly recover from a stress fracture by ceasing the activity that caused the injury and giving your body time to heal. If you don't give yourself this time, you could make your injury worse. If you're a runner or basketball player, stay aware of how your body feels and if you notice any pain in your feet or ankles, you should visit an orthopedist.
Broken Hand, Finger, Or Wrist
These injuries are very common since we use our hands and fingers daily, and wrist fractures are the most common fracture in adults under age 75. A broken hand or finger could result in damage to the nerves or tendons in the hand, so that's a priority when you experience one of these fractures. Typically, you will not need surgery with this type of injury, though it is possible. People typically experience a wrist fracture when they fall and attempt to catch themselves, so if you do fall, remind yourself to try to land on your rear end, back, or thighs. With a fractured wrist, your doctor will most likely put you in a splint and not perform surgery unless it's needed to move the bones back into the right position. Try to avoid broken hands, fingers, or wrists by falling smart and being careful in your everyday life.
Broken Hip
For individuals over age 75, a broken hip is the most common fracture. The older population is more susceptible to falls and may be suffering from osteoporosis, which causes the bones to become more fragile. If you experience a hip fracture, you will almost always need surgery to correct the damage. If you're over age 75, try to reduce your risk of falling, and if you do fall, try to land on your back and not your side.
Bone fractures are very common. Be aware of the fractures that could occur and do what you can to keep yourself safe.