Summertime in Indiana means that more people are outside enjoying a wide variety of activities. However, certain types of injuries are common in the summer including dislocations and fractures.
Causes dislocations and fractures
A dislocation occurs when one of the bones that make up a joint is moved out of place. Fractures occur when a bone splits or breaks. Both of these personal injuries can happen when a person experiences a slip and fall accident, impact or some other type of trauma. Both injuries are also very painful and can cause swelling and bruising in the affected area. Any joint in the body can become dislocated. Likewise, a person can fracture any bone.
What increases your risk of these injuries?
People who have certain conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of dislocation or fracture injuries. Smoking, drinking, taking steroids, and having prior fractures also raise the risk.
Symptoms of dislocations and fractures
Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish between a dislocation and fracture because both injuries share symptoms, which include the following:
• Redness, bruising, swelling, and sometimes bleeding
• Limb deformity such as misshapen appearance or appearing out of place
• Broken skin with a bone protruding from it
• Significant pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Loss of range of motion or sensation
Treatment for dislocations and fractures
If you suffer a dislocation or fracture, you should seek immediate medical attention. However, until you’re able to get to the emergency room, you can take fast steps to self-treat. The first thing to do is apply an ice pack to the affected area to ease the swelling and pain.
Clean any open wounds with water and cover them with a clean, dry dressing. Apply a splint if you have one to keep the area immobile.
It’s a good idea to seek medical attention if you think that you have a dislocation or fracture.