Hello Lykkers! Let’s clear up some common myths about fractures. We’ve all heard the old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to injuries, people often judge a fracture by its symptoms—or the lack thereof.

Fractures can be sneaky, and there are several common myths that could lead you down the wrong path. Let’s break down some of these misconceptions so you can be more informed and stay safe!

Myth #1: "If You Can Move the Injured Part, It’s Not Broken"

How many times have you bumped into something hard and then been asked, “Can you move it?” If you can, the common assumption is that it’s not broken. Well, unfortunately, this is one of those myths that simply doesn’t hold up.

While it’s true that many fractures cause intense pain and make movement difficult, you can still move a bone that’s fractured. A small break or hairline fracture might not prevent you from moving the affected area. The key signs of a fracture are pain, swelling, and a change in the shape of the bone. If you hear a popping sound when the injury occurs, it's pretty much a red flag that something’s broken. So, don’t rely on the ability to move the injured part as an indicator—it’s always best to get checked out by a doctor!

Myth #2: "You’ll Feel Sharp Pain Immediately After a Fracture"

Here’s another one: “If you’ve broken something, you’re going to feel intense, sharp pain right away.” In reality, that’s not always the case! Sure, fractures often come with a good amount of pain, but some injuries don’t trigger immediate, intense discomfort.

It’s actually pretty common for people to fall, twist an ankle, or even break a bone without realizing the severity of the injury at first. In some cases, a fracture might not hurt that much initially, or the pain could feel more like an ache. But even if the pain isn’t severe, that doesn’t mean the injury isn’t serious. Always seek medical attention, especially if you’re uncertain about the injury!

Myth #3: "Only Older White Women Are at Risk of Fractures Due to Osteoporosis"

You might have heard that osteoporosis and fractures are an issue only for older women with fair skin. That’s not exactly true. Yes, women—especially those who’ve gone through menopause—are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, but fractures don’t discriminate based on race or age.

It’s true that women with lighter skin are more likely to develop fractures, especially when it comes to hip fractures. However, studies have shown that Black women tend to have denser bones, which means they may have a lower risk of fractures than White women. That being said, no one is completely immune. Osteoporosis can affect anyone, and it’s important to be aware of the risk factors, including family history and lifestyle choices, like diet and exercise.

Myth #4: "If You Break Your Toe, There’s No Need to See a Doctor"

It’s easy to think that a broken toe is no big deal, especially if it’s not too painful. But here’s the thing: even a small toe fracture can cause long-term problems if it’s not properly treated. If left untreated, you could end up with an improperly healed bone that makes it painful to walk or wear shoes, or you might even develop arthritis down the road.

In most cases, a doctor will wrap the broken toe with the adjacent one to help stabilize it, but it’s still essential to get it looked at. If the toe is misaligned or the fracture is severe, you may need more intensive treatment, like a splint or even surgery. So, even for a tiny toe injury, don’t skip the doctor’s visit.

Myth #5: "Once Bones Heal, They’re Stronger Than Before"

If you’ve heard that bones get stronger after healing, you might be disappointed to hear this isn’t quite true. While the healing process involves the formation of a hard bone tissue around the fracture, it doesn’t mean your bones become superhuman.

In the early stages of healing, your bone might actually be stronger than the surrounding bone due to the extra tissue. But over time, this healing tissue is replaced with regular bone, and it doesn’t necessarily stay stronger. In fact, most of the time, your bone ends up at about the same strength it was before the fracture, so you’ll need to continue being careful with it.

Listen to Your Body, Lykkers!

So, there you have it—five common myths about fractures debunked! Next time you get injured or bump into something hard, remember that not all fractures fit the textbook description. Always listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you suspect something’s wrong. The earlier you catch an injury, the better chance you have of healing properly!

Stay safe, stay healthy, and be sure to share this article with friends and family so they can also be informed. Until next time, Lykkers!