A fracture is another name for a break in a bone. Although bones are strong and have a certain amount of flexibility, any bone in the body can break, especially while playing sports. Bones that are most commonly fractured are located in the wrist, hand, ankle, foot, and collarbone. They can break when too much pressure is placed on them, such as from a direct blow or bad fall. Because of this, bones are particularly vulnerable to fractures in contact sports, such as football and lacrosse.
Types of Fractures
A fracture can be categorized as:
- A complete fracture – When the bone is completely broken into separate pieces
- An incomplete or partial fracture – When the bone hasn’t completely broken in to two pieces
- A compound (or open) fracture – A complex break where the bone has broken through the skin, or the injury has exposed the fractured bone, putting it at risk of infection.
- A simple (or closed) fracture – When the bone does not penetrate through the skin
Causes of Fractures
Often, there is a higher incidence of fractures in high impact and contact sports, such as from tackles in football or punches in boxing. Some fractures, such as stress fractures, can result from prolonged movements, repetitive forces, or from overuse. Stress fractures in the legs can be caused by long distant running, when the muscles become fatigued and are no longer able to absorb the shock which causes severe bruising and cracks in the bones in the legs. Fractures are also common in sports such as skateboarding, bike riding, and skiing and often occur from falls and impacts with hard surfaces or objects.
Common Fractures in Sports
There are a variety of fractures common in sports. They include:
- Wrist and Hand – Fractures are common in the wrist and hand while playing sports because they are extremities that can get into vulnerable positions while an athlete plays, falls, gets tackled, etc. Due to the flexible nature of our upper extremities, they are prone to fractures more than other parts of the body. The bones in the hand and wrist are also smaller and, in many cases, weaker. This makes them more susceptible to fractures.
- Foot and Ankle – Similar to the wrist and hand, foot and ankle fractures are common because a lot of sports involve active movements made by the foot and ankle. Because of this, contact sport athletes have a high risk of fractures in these parts of the body as they can get into vulnerable positions while playing.
Fracture Care in Macomb County
If you are in need of urgent care for a fracture or other trauma, turn to the experts at Movement Orthopedics. We use advanced, on-site imaging technologies to determine the type and severity of your fracture or injury. Together, we will discuss a personalized course of treatment to ensure you have a successful recovery.
We are a leading orthopedic and sports medicine practice serving Macomb County and the surrounding communities. We treat patients of all ages experiencing musculoskeletal issues. We also specialize in knee and hip conditions.
Call us today at (586) 436-3785 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
