Bone Fractures Care | Injury Treatment at Ladera Urgent Care in Los Angeles

Bone fractures, often referred to simply as fractures, are a common injury that occurs for various reasons. At Ladera Urgent Care in Los Angeles, we’re dedicated to providing expert care for fractures, ensuring that patients receive timely and quality care. Today we will go over the types, causes, and treatments of bone fractures and how our clinic can help you get back on your feet.


What Is a Bone Fracture?

A bone fracture is defined as a break in the continuity of a bone. Fractures may range from small cracks, such as hairline fractures, to complete breaks that separate the bone into two or more parts. Fractures are the result of an impact or stress that exceeds the bone’s strength, causing it to break.

Types of Bone Fractures

Fractures can occur in any part of the body and take various forms:

  1. Simple Fractures – A clean break that doesn’t pierce the skin.
  2. Compound Fractures – When the broken bone protrudes through the skin.
  3. Comminuted Fractures – The bone shatters into several pieces.
  4. Greenstick Fractures – A partial break, more common in children due to their softer, more flexible bones.
  5. Stress Fractures – Hairline cracks caused by repetitive impact or stress.
  6. Long Bone Fractures – These occur in the long bones of the body, such as the femur, tibia, or ulna.

Common Causes of Bone Fractures

Fractures are often caused by external forces or underlying medical conditions. The most common cause of bone fractures is trauma:

  • Falls: As many know, a slip can lead to a fractured wrist, hip, or other part of the body.
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Unfortunately, collisions frequently result in severe fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs.
  • Sports Injuries: Contact sports and activities involving high impact very often cause fractures.

Medical conditions can also weaken the bones, increasing the likelihood of fractures. For example:

  • Osteoporosis: A condition that reduces bone density, making them more fragile.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like cancer or osteogenesis imperfecta may also contribute to bone fragility.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bone Fracture

Recognizing the signs of a fracture is crucial for seeking prompt medical attention. Some symptoms may include (but are not limited to):

  • Intense pain in the affected area
  • Swelling, bruising, or deformity
  • Inability to move the injured limb
  • Hearing a snapping or grinding noise at the time of injury

If you suspect a bone fracture, visit Ladera Urgent Care for a professional assessment.


Why Immediate Treatment Is Important

Delaying treatment for a fracture can lead to severe complications, including:

  • Improper healing: Displaced fractures may heal incorrectly, causing misalignment that might require procedures like fracture reduction to realign the bone.
  • Long-term deformity and chronic pain: Poorly treated fractures can result in lasting discomfort and functional limitations.

High-Risk Fractures

  • Compound fractures: When a bone breaks through the skin, there is a significant risk of infection. Immediate medical care is needed to clean the wound, close the fracture site, and prevent serious complications like bone death.
  • Specific injury types:
    • Clavicle or humerus fractures: Common in falls, such as landing on an outstretched arm, these injuries require trauma treatment to prevent ischemic injury and ensure proper function.
    • Fractures needing surgical intervention: Some injuries, such as severe dislocations, may require internal fixation with surgical pins or plates to stabilize the bone.

Diagnosis and Treatment at Ladera Urgent Care

At Ladera Urgent Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including X-rays, to confirm the presence and extent of a fracture. The following outlines general treatment options for general informational purposes. While some may be recommended as a treatment option by the MD you see on your visit, only after you see a licensed healthcare professional can the best approach for your specific needs be found:

  • Immobilization: Using casts, splints, or braces to stabilize the bone. Materials like fiberglass or plaster of Paris are commonly used for fractures to immobilize the limb.
  • Medication: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage discomfort.
  • Fracture Reduction: A non-operative or surgical method to realign the bone.
  • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises to restore mobility and strength. A gradual increase in activity levels until the process of healing is complete helps ensure the bone becomes solid enough to bear weight.
  • Referral to Specialists: For complex cases, including fractures that occur because of certain medical conditions, we can refer you to orthopedic surgeons or other specialists.

Preventing Bone Fractures

While accidents happen, you can take steps to reduce your risk of fractures:

  • Maintain a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones.
  • Engage in weight-bearing exercises to improve bone density.
  • Use protective gear during sports and high-risk activities.
  • Address medical conditions like osteoporosis with your doctor.

Contact Us Today

Ladera Urgent Care is conveniently located at: 5311 W Centinela Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone: (310) 209-3993 Fax: (424) 217-4067 Email: Info@laderauc.com

Office Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Don’t let a broken bone slow you down. Visit Ladera Urgent Care for expert diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures. Call us today or walk in during office hours to receive prompt care from our experienced team.

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