Anabolic Steroids: What They Are, Uses, Side Effects & Risks
Diagnosing a Fracture – What You Need to Know
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- How is a fracture identified?
StepWhat happens?Why it matters
A. Physical examThe doctor checks the area for swelling, bruising, warmth and how you can move the limb. They also look for deformity (the bone looks out of place).A fracture often changes the shape or function of the joint or limb.
B. Ask about painYou’ll describe where it hurts most, whether the pain is sharp when you touch the area, and if it worsens with movement.Fractures can cause intense, localized pain that may be worse on pressure or motion.
C. Check range of motion (ROM)The doctor moves your arm/leg to see how much you can flex or extend without pain.Limited ROM often signals a break or misalignment in the bone.
D. Look for swelling or bruisingSwelling, redness, or discoloration suggests bleeding into tissue around the fracture.These signs help differentiate between fractures and soft‑tissue injuries.
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