Fractures
If you’ve recently had a serious accident or fall, you probably had an x-ray done at an urgent care or the emergency room. If you have a fracture, it is essential to schedule a follow up appointment with an orthopedic doctor, such as our orthopedic fracture specialist in Miami, or Homestead.
What is a Fracture?
A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. A fracture can be stable (non-displaced) or unstable (displaced).
Non-displaced fractures
In a non-displaced fracture, the bones do not move out of place. As such, these fractures are usually considered to be not as severe as displaced fractures. Despite this, they are still often put in a cast, depending on the location of the fracture.
Displaced fractures
Displaced fractures are when the bones move out of place. Therefore, in order to treat such factures, the bones need to be set correctly back in alignment, sometimes called a reduction. Even after realignment, bones are still at risk of moving out of place, so it is important to minimize the chances of this happening.
Why do fractures need to be treated immediately?
Fractures need treatment immediately to promote proper healing. Appropriate care minimizes pain and swelling to keep you comfortable. Rest, ice, and elevation will be necessary remedies in your recovery. A specialist can determine the severity of the fracture. You may need a cast or surgery if the fracture is unstable. A delay in treatment can result in poor healing and position concerns, with long term consequences such as deformities or arthritis.
If you suspect any kind of bone fracture, including wrist or ankles fractures, you should seek emergency medical care immediately to prevent further injury. Our orthopedic fracture specialists in Miami & Homestead are here to help you.
How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
Recovery time for fractures depends on a number of factors. It is not unusual for recovery to take months. Even after healing, some patients experience stiffness and aching, and it can develop into arthritis. With proper treatment under the care of an orthopedic specialist, you will have better outcomes. It is important to follow all care suggestions while your fracture is healing, so you have success.
What are the signs and symptoms of a wrist fracture?
A fractured wrist is almost always accompanied by pain and swelling. The symptoms usually appear suddenly and are quick to develop.
Some people are still able to use their hand despite suffering from these symptoms, while others find they completely lose the ability to move their hand and fingers. Depending on the type of fracture, the wrist may look deformed due to bone displacement. Patients often experience pain in the fingers or around the area of the wrist fracture. Sometimes patients feel numbness and tingling with a wrist fracture. Be sure to discuss all symptoms with your doctor during visits.
What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture?
The signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture are similar to those of a wrist fracture. Patients will also have swelling, pain, and possible deformities, depending on the type of injury.
Ankle fractures can be debilitating due to the inability to walk. Recovery focuses on aligning the bones properly, minimizing pain and swelling, and recovering functionality.
What type of fractures does our clinic treat?
Our orthopedic physicians have many years of experience treating common breaks, including wrist fractures and ankle fractures in Miami. We also treat fractures that occur in other bones within the body. Our specialists also treat common wrist fractures and ankle fractures in Homestead. We will help determine what the best treatment course will be to ensure your fracture heals properly.
We have experience in both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for fractures. Call us to schedule an appointment to have your fracture evaluated by an orthopedic fracture specialist in Miami or Homestead.
Learn more about our South Florida Orthopaedics
South Florida International Orthopaedics is an orthopaedic multispecialty group practice providing comprehensive orthopaedic care to patients of all ages and activity levels. Our orthopedics doctors at South Florida International Orthopaedics are highly rated experts that serve the greater Miami area and all surrounding Miami-Dade communities as far north as Broward County and south, Homestead, and to Florida Keys.
If you would like more information about our orthopedic fracture specialists or our services, do not hesitate to contact us or schedule an online appointment.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
