Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Handling Sprains, Strains & Possible Broken Bones

A sprain injures a ligament connecting bones at a joint. A strain affects a muscle or tendon. A fracture is a crack or break in a bone.

Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving can occur with all three injuries. You may not be able to tell whether a bone is broken without a medical examination and imaging. When uncertain, protect the area and treat it as a possible fracture.

Call 911 If

Bone is visible through the skin.
The injured area is severely deformed.
Serious bleeding is present.
The hand or foot below the injury is cold, pale, blue, numb, or weak.
A head, neck, spine, pelvis, or hip injury is possible.
The injury followed a major fall, crash, crushing incident, or other significant force.
The person cannot be moved safely.
The person becomes confused, faint, or unconscious.
Signs of shock develop.
Breathing is difficult.
You are unsure whether moving the person could cause more harm.

Do not move someone with a possible spinal or pelvic injury unless the location is immediately dangerous.

Signs of a Possible Sprain or Strain

Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Muscle spasms
Reduced movement
Pain when putting weight on the area
Weakness
Tenderness

A severe sprain can cause as much pain and loss of function as a fracture.

Signs of a Possible Broken Bone

Severe or focused pain
Rapid swelling
Significant bruising
Inability to use the body part
Inability to bear weight
An unusual angle or shape
Shortening of an arm or leg
A grinding sensation
Numbness or tingling
Bone visible through the skin
Pain directly over a bone
A snapping or cracking sound at the time of injury

A person may still be able to walk or move with certain fractures. Movement does not rule out a break.

Protect the Injured Area

Stop the activity.
Keep the person still.
Support the injured area in the position found.
Remove rings, watches, or tight jewelry before swelling increases.
Do not test the joint repeatedly.
Do not force the person to walk.
Avoid unnecessary movement.
Arrange medical evaluation.

Do not try to straighten a deformed arm or leg.

Apply Cold Safely

A cold pack may reduce pain and swelling.

Wrap the pack in a thin towel.
Apply it for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove it and allow the skin to return to normal temperature.
Repeat as appropriate.
Check the skin regularly.

Do not place ice directly on the skin. Stop if the area becomes painfully cold, numb, unusually pale, or discolored.

People with poor circulation, diabetes, reduced sensation, or certain medical conditions should ask a healthcare professional before using cold therapy.

Compression

A flexible bandage may support some mild sprains or strains.

Wrap the area snugly but not tightly.
Begin farther from the body and work upward.
Leave fingers or toes visible when possible.
Check circulation regularly.
Loosen the wrap if pain or swelling increases.

Remove or loosen the bandage if the fingers or toes become:

Numb
Tingly
Cold
Pale
Blue
Increasingly painful

Do not tightly wrap a possible fracture or visibly deformed injury.

Elevation

When comfortable and safe, raise the injured area above heart level to help reduce swelling.

Do not force elevation if:

It increases pain.
A fracture is possible.
The area is deformed.
A hip, pelvis, or spinal injury may be present.

Support the entire injured limb with pillows rather than allowing it to hang unsupported.

Splinting a Possible Fracture

If emergency care is on the way and the person can remain still, leave the injury in the position found.

Splint only if:

You are trained.
The person must be moved.
A splint can be applied without straightening the injury.
It does not delay emergency care.

A splint should support the joints above and below the injury. Check circulation before and after applying it.

Do not push exposed bone back into the wound.

If the Bone Breaks Through the Skin

An open fracture is an emergency.

Call 911.
Do not push the bone back inside.
Do not straighten the limb.
Cover the wound loosely with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
Apply pressure around—not directly on—protruding bone.
Keep the person still and warm.
Watch for shock.

Do not give food or drinks because surgery or sedation may be needed.

Check Circulation

Look at the fingers or toes below the injury.

Check for:

Normal color
Warmth
Sensation
Ability to move
A pulse if you are trained to check it

Call 911 for a cold, pale, blue, numb, or weak hand or foot. Loosen any compression wrap that may be restricting circulation.

Do not delay emergency care while repeatedly checking.

Possible Hip or Pelvic Injury

Suspect a hip or pelvic injury if the person:

Fell and cannot stand
Has severe groin, hip, or pelvic pain
Has one leg that appears shortened or turned outward
Cannot move the leg
Develops significant swelling or bruising
Has pain after a vehicle crash or crushing injury

Call 911. Keep the person still and do not try to help them walk.

Hip fractures may cause less obvious symptoms in some older adults. New pain and inability to bear weight after a fall require prompt evaluation.

Helpful Resources: Browse Burns & Minor Injuries for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Watch for Shock

Possible signs include:

Pale, cool, or clammy skin
Rapid breathing
Weak or rapid pulse
Dizziness
Confusion
Severe weakness
Extreme thirst
Loss of consciousness

Keep the person lying down and warm. Do not give food or drinks. Monitor breathing until help arrives.

Pain Medication

Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional which pain reliever is appropriate.

Before taking an over-the-counter medication, consider:

Allergies
Kidney or liver disease
Stomach ulcers
Bleeding problems
Blood thinners
Pregnancy
Other medication
Alcohol use

Follow the label. Do not combine products containing the same active ingredient.

Seek Medical Care If

A fracture may be present.
The person cannot bear weight.
Pain is severe or focused directly over a bone.
Swelling or bruising is substantial.
The joint feels unstable.
Movement is significantly limited.
Numbness or tingling develops.
Symptoms are worsening.
The injury is not improving.
The person is an older adult, young child, or has osteoporosis.
The injury occurred during a significant fall or collision.

Do not assume that an injury is minor simply because swelling is limited.

Quick Injury Checklist

Stop the activity.
Call 911 for severe injuries.
Keep a possible fracture still.
Remove rings and tight jewelry.
Apply a wrapped cold pack.
Use gentle compression only when appropriate.
Elevate the injury if comfortable and safe.
Check circulation below the injury.
Do not straighten a deformed limb.
Do not push exposed bone back inside.
Do not force the person to walk.
Arrange medical evaluation when a fracture is possible.

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Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.