WEBVTT

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Caring for a Bone
Fracture A broken

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or cracked bone is
called a fracture.

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A bone fracture can occur
anywhere in the body.

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It might be the collarbone,
or an arm, hand, leg, or foot.

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It can take 4 to 6
weeks or longer to heal.

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How fractures are treated A
bone fracture is often treated

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with a sling, elastic
bandage, splint, or cast.

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In some cases, you may need
surgery to line up broken bones

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or make other repairs.

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A splint or cast can
help prevent more damage

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and reduce pain by keeping
the bone from moving.

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A splint is often used
as the first treatment.

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You may get a splint,
and then see a specialist

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for a cast or surgery.

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A splint may be all
that you need.

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But often a splint is
used for a few days

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until swelling goes down,
and then a cast is put on.

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Caring for a splint or cast
If you have a splint or cast,

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follow these care guidelines:
Keep the splint or cast dry.

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Don't put any weight on a splint

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or cast unless you're
told you can.

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Never put anything
sharp inside your splint

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or cast to scratch an itch.

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Don't remove padding or change
any part of your splint or cast.

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Don't remove the splint

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until your health care
provider says you can.

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If your toes or fingers
turn blue or tingle,

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call your health care provider
or go to the emergency room.

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Caring for a sling or elastic
bandage A sling is used only

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for comfort.

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Once the pain has gone,
you may no longer need it.

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Use it as long as your health
care provider tells you to.

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You can remove it when
sleeping or bathing.

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Your injury may be wrapped
in an elastic bandage.

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This is to help decrease
swelling and pain.

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Remove the bandage before
sleeping, unless it's used

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to keep your splint in place.

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Make sure your skin is clean

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and dry before putting
the bandage back on.

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Don't wrap it too tightly.

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Loosen it if your toes

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or fingers swell,
turn blue, or tingle.

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Managing pain and swelling
A broken bone can cause pain

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and swelling for several days.

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The pain may get worse

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in the first 24 hours
after your injury.

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There are several ways you
can manage pain and swelling.

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Raise the injured area above
the level of your heart.

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Put an ice bag wrapped in a
thin, dry cloth on the area.

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Do this for about 20
minutes every 2 hours

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for the first 2 to 3 days.

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Don't put ice or an ice
bag directly on your skin.

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You may be able to take
over-the-counter pain medicine,

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as needed.

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Follow the dosage on
the package label.

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Or you may need a
prescription medicine.

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Take it exactly as directed.

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Don't take any over-the-counter
medicine while taking

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prescription medicine
unless you check

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with your health
care provider first.

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Safety tips for a broken bone If
you have an injured arm, elbow,

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wrist, or hand: Don't lift
anything with your injured arm.

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Raise your hand higher than
your arm as often as you can,

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and Wiggle your fingers often.

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If you have an injured
leg, knee, foot or ankle:

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Use crutches, a walker, or
a cane exactly as directed.

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Raise your foot higher than
your knee when you're resting.

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Wiggle your toes often,
and Don't put your weight

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on the injured leg until your
health care provider says

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it's OK.

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When to call your health care
provider Call your health care

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provider or go to the
emergency room if you have:

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Pain that gets worse,
and doesn't get better

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after taking pain medicine
Fingers or toes that turn pale

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or blue, go numb, or tingle
Severe pain that gets worse

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when you move Fever or
chills, or Skin over the area

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that turns red and warm
Getting follow-up care

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When you have a broken bone,
follow-up care is important.

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Your health care team will
make sure your bone is

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healing properly.

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You may follow up with
your primary care provider.

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Or you may see a specialist,
such as an orthopedic surgeon.

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Taking all the right steps
to get proper treatment

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for your bone fracture
will help it heal right

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so you can get back to normal!

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What we have Learned Medicine
is just one way to reduce pain

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after a bone fracture.

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Applying ice and raising
the injured part can help.

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True or false?

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The answer is true.

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Ice and elevation can
reduce pain and swelling.

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Raise the injured area above
the level of your heart.

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Use an ice pack for about
20 minutes every 2 hours

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for the first 2 to 3 days.

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If you have numbness or
tingling in your fingers or toes

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after a fracture,
this is normal.

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True or false?

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The answer is false.

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Numbness or tingling
in your fingers or toes

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after a fracture can mean
there is a serious problem.

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Call your health care provider
or go to the emergency room.