How to determine whether a fracture or a sprain
Sprains and fractures are common sports injuries or accidental injuries in daily life. Although the symptoms of the two are similar, the treatment is very different. Correctly judging whether it is a fracture or a sprain is crucial for subsequent treatment and recovery. This article will combine popular topics and hot contents across the network for the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed judgment guide.
1. Symptom comparison
Here is a comparison table of the main symptoms of fractures and sprains:
| symptom | fracture | sprain |
|---|---|---|
| The degree of pain | Severe, unbearable | Moderate, tolerant |
| swelling | Rapidly swollen and severe | Mild to moderate swelling |
| Mobility | Inability to move at all | Some activities are available |
| Appearance deformation | Limb deformation may occur | No deformation |
| Blood stasis | Large area of blood stasis | Slight blood stasis |
| sound | You may hear bone cracks | No abnormal sound |
2. Common misunderstandings
1."It's not a fracture if you can move": This is a common misconception. Some minor fractures may still retain some mobility, especially in children or the elderly.
2."The more severe the swelling, the more likely it is to be a fracture": Although fractures are usually accompanied by severe swelling, severe ligament tear can also lead to significant swelling.
3."X-ray examination is the only criterion": Although X-rays are the gold standard for diagnosing fractures, clinical examination is equally important, and some stress fractures may not be obvious in early X-rays.
3. Emergency treatment steps
| step | operate | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stop activity | Stop any activity in the injured area immediately |
| 2 | Ice compress | Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes, once every 2-3 hours |
| 3 | Pressure bandaging | Use elastic bandages to wear moderately, do not be too tight |
| 4 | Lift the affected limb | Elevate the injured area above the heart level |
| 5 | Medical evaluation | Go to the hospital for professional examination as soon as possible |
4. When is the medical treatment necessary
If the following situations occur, seek medical treatment immediately:
1. The injured area is obviously deformed
2. Hearing the sound of bone cracks
3. Severe swelling immediately after injury
4. The pain continues to worsen
5. The injured area is completely unable to bear weight
6. Accompanied by numbness or tingling
7. Change in skin color (whitening or purple)
V. Preventive measures
1. Warm up fully before exercise
2. Wear appropriate sneakers
3. Strengthen muscle strength and flexibility training
4. Avoid running on uneven grounds
5. Elderly people pay attention to calcium and vitamin D supplements
6. Wear protective equipment during high-risk exercises
6. Reference for rehabilitation time
| Type of injury | Mild | Moderate | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| sprain | 1-2 weeks | 3-6 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| fracture | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks or longer |
Please note that the above time is for reference only, and the actual recovery time varies depending on the individual's constitution, age and treatment method.
7. Recent hot spots
1. A well-known athlete was suspected of spraining during the competition. After examination, he was actually a minor fracture, which triggered heated discussion on the diagnosis of sports injuries.
2. "Self-diagnosis" challenges on social media are prevalent, with medical experts warning about possible delays in treatment.
3. New portable ultrasound devices may become new tools for rapid diagnosis of fractures.
4. Studies have shown that some fractures may be missed during initial X-ray examinations and further confirmation of CT is required.
5. A breakthrough has been made in the technology of assisted in the diagnosis of fractures with an accuracy rate of more than 95%.
Correctly judging whether a fracture or a sprain requires comprehensive consideration of symptoms, injury mechanism and medical examinations. When uncertain, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time to avoid delayed treatment. Remember, you would rather be too cautious than take it lightly when it comes to skeletal muscle damage.
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