Broken bones can happen after an accident like a fall, or by being hit by something.
The 3 most common signs of a broken bone (also known as a fracture) are:
- pain
- swelling
- deformity
However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a bone is broken if it is not out of its normal position.
If you've broken a bone:
- you may hear or feel a snap, grinding or popping noise as the injury happens
- there may be swelling, bruising or tenderness around the injured area
- you may feel pain when you put weight on the injury, touch it, press it, or move it
- you may have difficulty moving or putting weight on the injured area
- the injured part may look deformed (for example, it may have changed shape or may be at an odd angle) – in severe breaks, the broken bone may be poking through the skin
- you may feel tingling in the injured area or it may feel numb
You may also feel cold and sweaty, faint, dizzy or sick as a result of the shock of breaking a bone.
If the break is small or it's just a crack, you may not feel much pain or even realise that you've broken a bone.
Get medical help as soon as possible if you think you've broken a bone. If you think you may have broken your toe or finger, you can call NHS 111.
Go to your nearest A&E for a broken arm or leg. Call 999 for an ambulance if the injury to the leg seems severe or you're not able to get to A&E quickly.
Always call 999 for very severe suspected breaks, such as a broken hip, neck or back.
If you're not sure what to do, call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You may need an X-ray to check if you have broken a bone.
The broken bone must be properly aligned and held in place, often with a plaster cast, so it heals in the correct position.
If you do not receive the correct treatment, you could develop a serious infection or a permanent deformity. You may also have long-term problems with your joints.
It's best not to eat or drink anything if you think you've broken a bone, as you may need a general anaesthetic to allow doctors to realign it. You can take paracetamol with some water if needed for pain.
It's especially important for older people and those with osteoporosis to get medical help if they have had an injury, as their bones are weaker and may break more easily.