Car accidents place your body under extreme physical stress. Sometimes, you do not realize the severity of the injury due to the speed of the collision.
Fractured bones are one of the most common injuries sustained after an automobile accident. If you were recently in a wreck, you might have a broken bone that you are unaware of. See below to learn the signs of fractured bones.
Common bone fractures
When too much pressure exerts on bones, they break. For this reason, in serious car accidents, you are at significant risk for bone fractures. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the most common fractures for males were the femur and the humerus for females.
Signs of a fracture
Sometimes the pain you feel makes it evident that you broke something. Besides pain, be aware of symptoms such as an inability to hold heavy objects, swelling or tenderness, bruising, visible deformity, exposed bones and pain caused by movement. You might think the severity of these symptoms makes it evident that you suffered from a bone fracture. However, your body produces a massive amount of adrenaline after a traumatic incident like a car crash. This can mask the pain, even for severe injuries. Ensure you seek medical treatment after a severe car accident, even if you feel no pain.
Bones heal naturally, but if they do not set correctly, you can experience permanent disfigurement. If you have any doubts, go to a doctor and get x-rays on the problem area. If you avoid treatment, you might not heal properly.