First Aid for Broken Bones

There are different kinds of broken bones.

Simple or closed fractures:

• The broken bone is not visible through the skin nor is there a skin wound near the fracture site. An example of this is a greenstick fracture. It is called this because the x-ray shows a barely visible fracture and it resembles the pattern of a very young splintered twig.

Compound or open fracture:

• A bone may separate partially or completely from the other half and a skin wound is also present. The bone can protrude through the skin or the skin has been cut due to the injury.

Bones can break in more than one place.

Bones in children are more pliable and may resist breakage more than bones in adults. In most cases, children's bones are still growing, especially the long bones of their arms and legs. Damage to the ends of these bones should be looked at carefully because of the risk of stunting the bone's growth.

Bones in some senior citizens become dangerously thin with age and break easily. Also, many women after menopause and some elderly men suffer from osteoporosis, a condition which weakens the bones.

Broken bones need treatment right away. They may cause future deformities and limited movement if not properly cared for. They are also very painful.

• Make sure you and your child wear the right protective gear for the activity done. Items to wear include a helmet, shoulder, knee and wrist pads and a mouth guard.
• Check that everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt. Don't start the engine until everyone has buckled up.
• Talk to your physician about taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) if you are a woman who has gone through menopause.
• Exercise. Moderate, weight-bearing exercise such as walking, aerobics and dancing increases bone mass.
• Get enough calcium. One thousand to 1,500 mg of calcium is recommended per day. You can get this amount of calcium through good food sources such as:

  • non-fat or low-fat milk products
  • sardines
  • spinach, broccoli or other dark leafy green vegetables
  • calcium fortified foods such as some orange juices, apple juices breads and cereals

  • (Note: calcium supplements may be needed to meet daily calcium requirements.)

• If you smoke, quit. If you drink, limit the amount.

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