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SALT LAKE CITY — The world of health and medicine can be confusing to many parents. But Nurse Suzy is here to help clarify some of the issues that are important to you and your family.
This week's question: How can you tell if you have a broken bone or a sprain?
Answer: During the summer months many people participate in activities that sometimes end in broken bones or bad sprains. Differentiating between the two is a common concern.
The general rule is a broken bone will not swell as much as a sprain.
- A sprain is stressed tissue, ligaments, and tendons and will swell quickly; bruising is usually present.
- A broken bone will not swell that much, especially if it is not out of alignment.
Both injuries are hard to move or touch, and both need to have ice applied for 24 hours, followed by heat. They also need to be elevated higher than the patient's heart to reduce swelling.
Both fractures and sprains need support by a splint or wrap to stabilize the area. Movement causes more injury and more pain.
If you suspect a broken bone, and the area of concern is deformed looking or has an open wound right above the bone, you need to seek help from a doctor. If the area is straight and has little pain with movement, you may be able to elevate the injury, ice it, and seek help at a later time.
If there is swelling at the injury site, it can be very hard to see fracture right away. Because a small fracture can be missed during the initial examination, many doctors will have a patient come back for a second X-ray if he or she is slow to heal.
If you suspect broken toes or fingers, the best thing to do is splint it. You can easily do this by taping the injured toe or finger to the next toe or finger. This gives the best and easiest relief. Make sure your remove the tape at least once a day and let the fingers or toes air out.
Please do not continue to walk on or use the affected limb without support and time to heal. Otherwise, you run the risk that the healing will never be complete.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
