Broken Bones

What Is a Bone Fracture?

A bone fracture, also called a break, crack, or split in a bone, can occur in any part of the body. Fractures can be caused by trauma, repetitive stress, or medical conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis or osteogenesis. Some fractures involve minor breaks, while others, like compound fractures, are more severe and require emergency care. Click here to learn more about the injuries we treat at our urgent care centers. 

Common Symptoms of a Bone Fracture

Signs of a fracture may include:

• Sudden, intense pain
• Swelling or bruising at the injury site
• Visible deformity or an unusual angle
• Limited mobility or inability to bear weight
• Numbness or tingling
• Bleeding if the fracture is open

Note: seek urgent care immediately if pain is severe, the bone pierces the skin, or there is numbness, tingling, or injury to the head, neck, or back.

Types of Bone Fractures

Bone fractures come in many forms, each with different symptoms and treatment needs:

• Stable Fracture – The bone ends remain aligned, allowing for easier healing.
• Open (Compound) Fracture – The bone breaks and pierces the skin, increasing risk of infection and often requiring surgical repair.
• Avulsion Fracture – A ligament or muscle pulls a fragment of bone away.
• Comminuted Fracture – The bone shatters into multiple pieces.
• Compression Fracture – Often occurs in the spine, commonly from osteoporosis.
• Greenstick Fracture – Partial break where the bone bends without fully breaking, mostly seen in children.
• Hairline/Stress Fracture – Tiny cracks caused by repetitive stress or overuse.
• Displaced Fracture – Bone fragments move apart, sometimes requiring surgery.
• Other Types – Oblique, transverse, impacted, spiral, longitudinal, intraarticular, pathological, and torus fractures, depending on the location and nature of the break.

When to Seek Urgent Care for a Fracture

Prompt evaluation at an urgent care center can stabilize the injury, reduce pain, and prevent complications. Visit us for:

• Minor closed fractures where the skin is intact
• Sprains or minor dislocations
• Stress fractures or repetitive-use injuries

Go to the ER instead if:

• The fracture involves heavy bleeding
• The bone pierces the skin (compound fracture)
• Severe trauma, such as a car accident or high fall
• Numbness, tingling, or suspected head, neck, or back injury

How We Treat Broken Bones

At Urgent Medical Center, we provide:

• Onsite digital X-rays for fast, accurate diagnosis
• Splints, casts, or slings tailored to the type of fracture
• Assessment and referral to orthopedic specialists when needed
• Guidance on recovery and safe return to daily activities

Why choose us?

Our clinics are provider-owned. That means you get lower costs, no surprise billing, and more personal, attentive care from a team that puts patients first (click here to learn more).

For fractures, our clinic performs all standard X-rays, including chest, limb, and abdomen scans, with results reviewed by a radiologist.

We also offer:

• Walk-in visits (no appointment necessary)
• Care for adults & children (ages 2+)
• On-site X-rays, lab tests & vaccinations
• Bilingual Staff (English and Spanish)
• Weekend & extended hours
• All major insurance accepted
• Ample Parking