Take Steps to Protect Your Bones | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

Approximately 6.8 million fractures and broken bones are diagnosed each year in the United States. While our urgent care center does have a state-of-the-art X-ray to better diagnose such fractures, prevention is still the best treatment plan.

Therefore, our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to offer you tips on how you can prevent fractures. Read on as we take a look:

What Can Cause a Broken Bone?

There are a number of reasons why a broken bone may occur, including:

  • Sporting injuries
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Osteoporosis

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of experiencing a broken bone!

For starters, you want to make sure you are getting enough calcium each day. Fill your plate with dairy products (like milk), eggs, whole grains (like brown rice and oats), vegetables (like broccoli and spinach), and beans!

You also want to make sure you are keeping your surroundings free from clutter. Falls are a significant contributor to broken bones, particularly for older adults.

By picking up around you and reducing the clutter inside and around your home (as well as making sure it is well lit), you can greatly reduce your chances of suffering a broken bone.

Finally, you also want to make sure you are exercising regularly and performing weight-bearing exercises that can help build stronger bones and muscles. The stronger and healthier your bones are, the better they are able to handle an injury—and therefore, prevent a broken bone from occurring.

Did You Suffer a Broken Bone?

Unfortunately, as much as you try and prevent a broken bone, they still sometimes occur. It is important to be able to recognize the signs so that you are able to seek medical attention as soon as possible!

Symptoms of a broken bone include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising over a bone
  • Deformity in arm or leg
  • Pain in injured area that gets worse
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Loss of function in area

Think you may have broken a bone? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Memphis today—no appointment is necessary!