Is It Possible to Have a Broken Bone and Not Know It?

Healthy bones are strong, dense, and relatively flexible. It takes considerable force to fracture a healthy, normal bone. It takes even more force to create an open fracture, in which the bone actually pierces through the skin as it breaks apart.

However, if you’re an athlete, are aging, or even if you naturally have smaller or weaker bones, you could develop fractures that are virtually invisible. You may suffer some pain and swelling, but not realize that it’s related to a broken bone. Or, you might not notice a problem at all — at first.

At McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Lubbock, Texas, our fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Austin McPhilamy diagnoses and treats all types of fractures. If he suspects a broken bone, he verifies its location and type through X-ray imaging, and then customizes a treatment plan.

Could you have broken a bone but not even be aware of your fracture? Here are some instances where that might be the case.

You could have a stress fracture

Stress fractures, also referred to as hairline fractures, are tiny cracks in your bone that are caused by, you guessed it: stress or overuse. They’re usually caused by repetitive motions that you make in your job or a favorite activity. 

The more you repeat a particular movement — particularly if you don’t warm up, cool down, or vary the way you perform it — the more at risk you are for a stress fracture.

Runners and track athletes are prone to stress fractures, due to the tremendous force on their leg and foot bones, and the fact that they perform often and for long periods of time. You’re more likely to develop a stress fracture (or any type of fracture) if you have osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes your bones to lose density, flexibility, and strength. 

If you perform repetitive motions for your vocation or avocation, pay attention to symptoms that could indicate a stress fracture. Signs that you may have a stress fracture include:

• Tenderness in certain area
• Pain that resolves with rest
• Swelling around the area
• Worsening pain in a specific spot

The only way to diagnose a stress fracture is through X-ray imaging. Without treatment, stress fractures tend to weaken the bone further, and give rise to other fractures, too. You may need to wear a boot or brace until your fracture heals. In rare cases, you could need surgery.

You could have a chipped bone

An avulsion fracture is a type of fracture in which a small chip of bone gets pulled away from the main portion of the bone. Avulsion fractures occur when the force of a ligament pulling on a bone is so severe that it actually takes a piece of the bone with it.

Athletes and performers are more likely to have avulsion fractures. Avulsion fractures tend to happen when the bone and an attached ligament move in opposite directions. This is most likely when you:

• Change direction suddenly
• Leap, kick, or sprint
• Slide into base
• Box or punch hard
• Fall on an outstretched hand

You might hear a cracking or popping sound as the chip is pulled away from the bone. You may also experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bruising. Treatment usually consists of immobilization, pain control, and anti-inflammatory therapy until the bone heals.

You could have a compression fracture

Compression fractures are a type of stress fracture that occurs in the vertebrae of women and men who have osteoporosis. Due to lack of minerals in the bone as well as a generally weaker bone, your vertebrae develop hairline fractures that cause them to collapse.

When the vertebrae collapse, you may start to lose height. Compression fractures can develop slowly, over time — as with osteoporosis — or suddenly. Sudden compression fractures may be due to trauma, injury, or tumors.

You may experience pain that slowly worsens and is relieved by lying down. Other symptoms include:

• Decreased height
• Stooped posture
• Extremity numbness 
• Extremity tingling
• Weak muscles
• Incontinence
• Trouble walking

You may need to wear a brace and take medications to manage your osteoporosis. In some cases, you may benefit from surgery or other procedures to re-establish the natural height and strength of your vertebrae.

Comprehensive fracture care

Your bones support your entire body. If you have pain or swelling in or around a bone that doesn’t resolve with rest, find out if you have a fracture that needs treatment. Contact our friendly team at McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Lubbock, Texas, via phone or with our easy online form today.